I'm not a member and I should probalby keep my nose out of this (though I don't really have anything better to do right now LOL) so this is the email I just sent to PBUS.
letter quote:
Greetings,
I am a former police officer and current Licensed Bail Recovery Agent and Private Investigator (License numbers in signature line).
I recently heard that Mr. Chapman would be speaking at some type of function for your organization. While I have nothing against Mr. Chapman it appears he and his entourage is somewhat ignorant of the laws in various states. Perhaps while he is speaking for you he can be educated on the basic legal requirements of various states (which I am pleased that you are well aware of from what I have read on your site).
Recently it was brought up that Mr. Chapman was contemplating on coming into Indiana to assist in the locating of a criminal who was harassing a family in this state.
Mr. Chapman was advised through 'Alice Smith' that should he do so it is recommended that he obtain the proper licensing. Her reply was as follows:
----- Original Message -----
From: Alice Smith
To: DON SWAIN
Sent: Tuesday, October 11, 2005 8:47 AM
Subject: Re: Gary Indiana - Melvin Keeling - Indiana Licensing Requirements
dog is a bounty hunter he is not an investigator he is a man hunter and you have no laws about that ........... be advised that you also have the citizens right to arrest act ...
that’s all we need thanks for your concern
----- Original Message -----
From: DON SWAIN
To:
dogshawaiianhuntress@msn.com
Sent: Tuesday, October 11, 2005 4:45 AM
Subject: Gary Indiana - Melvin Keeling - Indiana Licensing Requirements
Greetings,
It has been made known that you may be coming into Indiana in an attempt to assist locating a Melvin Keeling who was last seen in Gary Indiana.
If this is true please be advised of the following criteria to act as an out of state private investigator in the State of Indiana:
Please note that an Indiana Recovery License is also required if you will be doing any recoveries of individuals who have skipped bail and are located in the State of Indiana.
This information should help you obtain the proper licensing for the State of Indiana.
http://www.in.gov/pla/bandc/detective/
http://www.in.gov/idoi/bailbond/
-----------
As you are well aware, our industry is under constant attack by those individuals and agencies who are ignorant of both the laws and the benefit trained and professional bondsmen and recovery agents are to both the community and law enforcement. That being said it is the Responsibility and Duty of all said Trained and Professional Bondsmen, Recovery Agents, and their respective organizations to "police our own".
You can see by 'Ms. Smith's' reply regarding licensing clearly demonstrates both their disturbing lack of knowledge in the laws governing their profession as well as their reluctance in learning those laws and complying with them. No doubt this is due to their "celebrity status" and disregard for the law is a common trend among "celebrities", especially when reinforced by their adoring public.
In any case, I hope his presentation serves it's purpose for your organization and perhaps you can educate him on the various laws pertaining to this profession.