Thursday, May 29, 2008

Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm has signed act HB5274 into law which will bring about exciting new changes for Private Investigators in Michigan.  One of the biggest changes is in the act itself; once known as the Private Detective Act of 1965 the act will now be known as the Professional Investigator Licensure Act, causing all investigators to be recognized as Private Investigators on their licenses. 

The passing of this bill will also create new areas for individuals to be considered a private investigator in Michigan.  This includes individuals preventing, detecting or removing observation devices, using electronic tracking devices for investigation purposes or those partaking in computer forensics.  Additionally there are multiple positions that are now considered to be under the realm of a private investigator including: investigators, detectives, special agents, intelligence specialists, parole agents, probation officers and certified police officers that are employed by any government executive, military, judicial or legislative agency.  The law will also include those lawfully engaged in any investigation business acceptable to the department. 

Additional changes that will be seen with the introduction of the bill are new standards individuals must be in compliance with before they are able to obtain a private investigator license.  Reciprocal agreements will also be put into place to be used by the regulatory department.  Finally this bill will also specify the authority of the Attorney General, State Police and local law enforcement in regards to enforcing licensing laws (penalties for practicing without a license will remain unaffected).

To read the bill in its entirety go to http://www.michiganlegislature.org where it is available to be downloaded and visit our licensing survey at http://www.investigation.com/surveymap/surveymap.html for details on requirements in all states.

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Monday, May 12, 2008

Kessler International is a global leader in the field of Intellectual Property Protection with over 20 years of experience and an ever-expanding roster of satisfied clients including Fortune 500 companies and prestigious Intellectual Property law firms around the world.  We are excited to be attending and exhibiting at the upcoming INTA 130th Annual Meeting In Berlin May 17th-May 21st and hope to reconnect with existing clients and introduce ourselves to new ones!

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Thursday, May 08, 2008

This press release was forwarded to us regarding an investigation which we completed and referred to law enforcement for further investigation:

LOS GATOS RESIDENT ARRESTED ON GRAND THEFT CHARGES

Los Gatos, CA - The Los Gatos/Monte Sereno Police Department recently concluded a year long investigation of the theft of computers and related equipment from the Los Gatos Union School District. The investigation resulted in the arrest of Darcy Jacques LaForge, 36, a former employee of the district in charge of their computer networking and equipment requisitions. The investigation revealed that approximately $200,000 dollars worth of equipment had been taken by LaFORGE over a two-year period which he then sold over the internet to various sources.

LaForge self surrendered to authorities on Saturday, May 3, 2008 pursuant to a $25,000 arrest warrant for the charge of grand theft. Arraignment date and time is pending.

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