The American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS) announces its support for legislation recently introduced into Congress to help ensure the safety and security of employees and consumers in the workplace.

The Civil Rights and Employee Investigation Clarification Act (HR 1543), introduced by Rep. Pete Sessions (R-Texas) and Rep. Sheila Jackson-Lee (D-Texas), would change the Federal Fair Credit Reporting Act by making it less difficult to investigate serious incidents of workplace misconduct. Under current law, employers are prohibited from retaining the services of a professional private investigative agency to look into suspected misconduct without first notifying the employee that an investigation will be conducted, then notifying the employee of the results of the inquiry, including names and comments of witnesses.

Security directors have cited a serious need for the change. They say employers run the risk of breaking federal law and incurring significant penalties by taking steps necessary to protect lives and property in the workplace.

“American workers and consumers have a right to expect to be safe – from crime, harassment and discrimination – in places where business is conducted,” states Bonnie Michelman, CPP, ASIS president and director of police and security at Massachusetts General Hospital. “The proposed law not only will help America’s security professionals to protect lives and property in the workplace, but it will also work to the benefit of employees who are suspected of misconduct.”

If you enjoyed this article and want to receive more valuable industry content like this, click here to sign up for our FREE digital newsletters!

Related Content