PIRSAC Meeting Recap

PIRSAC members discussing new legislation

The quarterly meeting of the Private Investigation, Recovery and Security Advisory Council (PIRSAC) was held Thursday, June 13, 2013 in Punta Gorda at the Sheraton Four Points Hotel. Florida Department of Agriculture, Division of Licensing Assistant Director, Ken Wilkinson, told the assembled group that the DOL will soon announce a major crack-down on security and investigative schools and/or K license holders (instructors) who have been selling certifications of completion without requiring the student to complete the required course work. Stay tuned for more details. Wilkinson also briefed the PIRSAC group on the impending implementation of a new Florida statute that that makes unlicensed investigative, security, or recovery agent activity a third degree felony with a possible maximum fine of $10,000, in addition to several years in prison. This legislation was passed without opposition by both the Florida House and the Florida Senate and is sitting on Governor Scott's desk. The new law is slated to become effective on July 1, 2013. Wilkinson also announced that the DOL is in the middle of updating the firearms training manual, including the course of fire. The DOL is also considering changes to some of their administrative rules relating to the reciprocity of security officers coming into Florida during times of a declared state of emergency. The DOL will hold a public hearing on the proposed changes in Tallahassee on June 27, 2013. Once again there was considerable discussion regarding the calibre of firearms permitted to be carried by private investigators and security officers and the feeling seems to be that both .40 and .45 ACP firearms ought to be allowed, in addition to the .38 and 9mm. Wilkinson stated that it would be up to the investigative and security industry to move those proposals forward. The next PIRSAC meeting will be in Daytona Beach on September 12, 2013.

Regards, Jack Belich, FCI

FALI Secretary