NEWS
RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 9, 2006
Pellicano
Reviled by Professional Investigators
Washington
,
D.C.
– Although
Anthony Pellicano was once issued a private
investigator’s license, private investigators from
across the country say the similarity ends there. Numerous
investigators interviewed have expressed dismay that their
profession would be identified even remotely with
Pellicano, a convicted felon who no longer holds a valid
license.
Pellicano
was released the first week in February from federal
prison after having served a sentence for illegal weapons
possession. He was immediately rearrested, however, and
now faces a new, 110-count federal indictment alleging
RICO (racketeering) and other
violations over alleged wiretapping and privacy breaches.
Unlike most private investigators who
remain in the background, Pellicano was often in the
limelight with high-profile, celebrity clients. Said
one long-time licensed investigator, “When you start
believing your own press releases, you are usually on thin
ice.”
Most
practicing private investigators belong to professional
trade associations that have extensive education programs,
codes of ethics, and promote lawful and ethical behavior.
Spokespersons for the Washington, D.C.-based National
Council of Investigation and Security Services (NCISS) and
the California Association of Licensed Investigators (CALI)
in
Sacramento
and the Professional Investigators of California (PICA)
confirm that Pellicano has never been a member of either
of their organizations. The World Association of
Detectives (WAD) and the Council of International
Investigators (CII) have also indicated there are no
records of membership for Pellicano. In addition, a
spokesman for INTELNET, a worldwide network primarily
comprised of former or retired military and federal
special agents, says Anthony Pellicano has never been a
member of their organization.
Eddy
McClain, a long-time California-based licensed
investigator and past president of both NCISS and
CALI
, echoed the comments of many. “I have testified four
times before congressional committees to explain the
necessary need for the contribution of professional
investigators to the criminal and civil justice systems.
It is no wonder that legislators are skeptical when they
see these headlines. But my experience is that overall,
investigators are extremely ethical and professional.”
Speaking about investigative work, McClain said, “The
civil and criminal justice systems are largely assisted by
lawful private investigations. It is unfortunate that one
rogue can tarnish an entire profession.”
As
Jeff Smith, a
New York
private investigator and member of NCISS exclaimed upon
reading of Pellicano’s alleged activities, “We must
make it clear that investigators as a whole do not support
illegal or unethical activity or the release of personal
information to the public for non-permissible purposes. If
you are an investigator and you are guilty of a 100+ count
indictment, you are no longer an investigator, you are a
criminal!”
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About
the NCISS
The National Council of Investigation and Security
Services (NCISS) is the nation’s largest association for
investigation and security services companies, with more
than 1100
member firms representing nearly 15,000 investigators and
security services professionals. NCISS encourages the
exchange of information and best practices to improve
performance and raise ethical standards. Founded in 1975,
NCISS works closely with state investigation associations
and other security organizations to advocate and sustain
the activities of investigators and security service
professionals. For more information, please visit www.nciss.org.
