Protect yourself from Identity Theft

Never give your Social Security number or other information to strangers who call, text, or send e-mail messages to you, even if they seem legitimate, as with phony “phishing” e-mail that looks like it comes from your bank.

Never leave your wallet or purse unattended. Don’t carry your Social Security card, rarely used credit cards, or written PINs or passwords.

Store financial account statements, medical records, and tax filings in a secure place at home, especially if you let workers or others inside, and shred those documents when you no longer need them.

Don’t post your date of birth, mother’s maiden name, first pet’s name, or other personal information on websites like Facebook, Flickr, Friendster, LinkedIn, MySpace, or Twitter. They’re often used to verify your identity and could allow an impostor electronic access to your accounts.

If your bank or credit-card issuer offers free online or mobile alerts that will warn you of suspicious account activity as soon as it’s detected, sign up for them. 

Make your home secure

Make home security a habit, with every member of the household—including kids—agreeing to a routine that should include simple rules.

Security Rules

  • Use door and window locks. Make it a habit to lock every door and window when leaving, after entering, and before bedtime.
  • Do not open the door to uninvited or unwelcome visitors.
  • Close and lock the garage door.
  • Secure your home even if you’re doing work around the house and yard.
  • Use your alarm system all the time, even when you take a quick trip to the store or visit next-door neighbors.

Hidden keys

The key under the mat, inside the mailbox, beneath a rock—everybody hides a house key. Problem is, burglars know your hiding places. Instead, give it to a trusted neighbor.

Key Storage

Don’t leave car and house keys and remotes near the door or otherwise visible inside your house. Secure them inside a cabinet or a drawer to keep them hidden.

Security Signs

Post security-company signs or window stickers near all entryways—whether you have a security system or not. Maybe you have signs/stickers on hand from a previous contract with a security firm, or maybe you can get some from a friend. In addition, post a few “Beware of Dog” signs in visible spots, say at the front of the house or on a gate to the backyard.

Replace week Locks

Locks are the weakest point on a door. Make sure you have a grade 1 or grade 2 dead-bolt lock that penetrates the door frame. It’s not necessary to get one at a specialty locksmith; these can be purchased at a big-box home store. The strike plate—the stationary piece that the bolt enters—must be heavy duty, made of solid metal or brass, with six three-inch-long screws that penetrate the door jamb and the door frame.

Safe Firearm Storage

Firearms must be stored unloaded and in a locked location, separate from ammunition. The storage area should be cool, clean, and dry. Storing firearms in closed gun cases or scabbards isn’t recommended because moisture can accumulate. Store guns horizontally, or with the muzzle pointing down.

Trigger Locks are a simple and affordable option for preventing a gun from being loaded or fired by an unauthorized user. Whether they are provided by the manufacturer or the dealer, most new guns are now sold with a trigger lock right in the box. 

Gun Cases are readily available at local sporting goods stores in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and material options to fit every kind of commercially available firearm. 

Strong Boxes and Security Cases represent an effort by manufacturers to provide gun owners with the anti-theft and gun-finish protection features of a locking gun cabinet while maintaining the portability of handgun and long-gun carry cases.

Locking Steel Gun Cabinets provide an increased level of storage capacity and internal configuration options, when compared to security cases and strong boxes, but they differ from gun safes in several respects. 

Gun Safes represent the most secure gun storage option available to the average gun owner. A basic, no-frills safe is superior to any other storage option discussed so far in preventing unauthorized access to firearms. 

10 Rules for Gun Safety.

The Basic Rules of Firearms Safety for Hunting and Target Shooting are among the safest of all sports. This list is intended to help ensure safety by emphasizing the basics of safe gun handling and storage, and enforce the notion that the gun owner is the key to firearms safety.

  1. ALWAYS KEEP THE MUZZLE POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION
  2. FIREARMS SHOULD BE UNLOADED WHEN NOT ACTUALLY IN USE
  3. DON’T RELY ON YOUR GUN’S “SAFETY”
  4. BE SURE OF YOUR TARGET AND WHAT’S BEYOND IT.
  5. USE CORRECT AMMUNITION .
  6. MAKE CAUTIOUS ASSESSMENTS WHEN A GUN FAILS TO FIRE!
  7. ALWAYS WEAR EYE AND EAR PROTECTION WHEN SHOOTING
  8. ENSURE THE BARREL IS CLEAR OF OBSTRUCTIONS BEFORE SHOOTING.
  9. DON’T MODIFY YOUR GUN, AND HAVE IT SERVICED REGULARLY
  10. LEARN THE MECHANICAL AND HANDLING CHARACTERISTICS OF THE FIREARM YOU ARE USING

What service does Private Investigators provide?

Private Investigators are professionals who “work to gather information and evidence pertaining to a case or event”

The Skill

The skills and expertise of private investigators are of value in a large number of areas, including:

  • Computer forensics services
  • Personal protection services
  • Undercover investigations
  • Supplier, vendor and employee screening programs
  • Crisis intervention services
  • Retail loss and prevention
  • Criminal investigation services
  • Polygraph services
  • Missing persons services
  • Pre-employment screenings
  • Personal investigations

Their Talents

Their talents lie in being able to gather and analyze information. This may include:

  • Performing undercover investigations
  • Performing surveillance activities
  • Documenting and reporting the results of investigations
  • Interviewing people
  • Researching

Assistance to Lawyers

Private investigators may help civil lawyers or criminal defense lawyers with other aspects of the case. For example, they may conduct an independent investigation of the evidence. For example, they may gather evidence about an automotive accident, such as photographs, parts of the vehicle, electronically-stored information and interview witnesses in order to reach an independent conclusion regarding the evidence. The attorney then determines how to handle this evidence. Private investigators are also retained in a number of other cases. For example, they may be asked to assist in business fraud cases by posing as a party interested in an illegal or unethical practice. They may be retained by insurance companies when the injured victim claims to have suffered a disability but his or her social media pages show the individual is taking vacations or engaging in risky behaviors. 

What is a Private Investigator?

Private Investigators are professionals who “work to gather information and evidence pertaining to a case or event” They must have a keen eye, excellent observation skills, and an analytical mind. Often referred to as private detectives, these professionals use a number of surveillance and investigative techniques to gather accurate information on the subject or situation in question.

Private investigators are licensed to practice in the state in which they work, and may either work full time as employees or be contracted to work with private detective firms, police departments, private businesses and organizations, as well as individual clients.

Although the services they provide may differ depending on the case or industry in which they work, their skill sets are often very similar, as they are called upon to uncover facts and evidence, analyze information, and provide their clients with the results of their investigation.

Florida Stun Gun Law

In Florida it is legal to own and carry a stun gun; however, before purchasing one it is important for residents to bear in mind that there are also restrictions in place.

In order for a resident of Florida to purchase a stun gun legally they must first apply for a license the same way they would if they were applying for a handgun license.

Those applying for a license must prove that they are legal residents of the state, at least 21 years of age and can prove their competency with the device. Once applications have been submitted they can take up to 90 days provided all documentation has been correctly received by the state.

Florida Concealed Carry Eligibility

  • U.S. citizen or legal resident alien
  • Clear criminal record
  • Able to demonstrate competency with a firearm
  • Current United States Resident
  • 21 years of age or older (those under 21 may take the class and apply for their license upon reaching age 21)

Determine if you are eligible for a concealed weapon license by answering a few simple questions.

Detailed explanations of these various disqualifying conditions are provided in the Application Instructions for the concealed weapon or firearm license.

Possible Reasons for Ineligibility

  • The physical inability to handle a firearm safely.
  • A felony conviction (unless civil and firearm rights have been restored by the convicting authority).
  • Having adjudication withheld or sentence suspended on a felony or misdemeanor crime of violence unless three years have elapsed since probation or other conditions set by the court have been fulfilled.
  • A conviction for a misdemeanor crime of violence in the last three years.
  • A conviction for violation of controlled substance laws or multiple arrests for such offenses.
  • A record of drug or alcohol abuse.
  • Two or more DUI convictions within the previous three years.
  • Being committed to a mental institution or adjudged incompetent or mentally defective.
  • Failing to provide proof of proficiency with a firearm.
  • Having been issued a domestic violence injunction or an injunction against repeat violence that is currently in force.
  • Renouncement of U.S. citizenship.
  • A dishonorable discharge from the armed forces.
  • Being a fugitive from justice.

Florida Concealed Carry Application Requirements

  • Applicants must be at least 21 years old. Exemptions are given if an applicant is a service member or veteran of the US armed forces who has been honorably discharged.
  • You must be a citizen of the US or legal resident alien.
  • You must provide a certificate confirming you have completed a firearms training class.
  • No felony convictions
  • Three years have elapsed if you have received a suspended sentence, adjudication of guilt withheld, or court conditions have been fulfilled on any felony, misdemeanor crime of domestic violence or misdemeanor crime of violence.
  • You have not been convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence.
  • You are not under a current court order relating to domestic violence or repeat violence.
  • You have not been adjudicated to be mentally incompetent or committed to a mental institution
  •  You do not have a record of drug alcohol abuse
  • You are physically capable of handling a firearm safely
  • You are not a fugitive from justice
  • You have not been dishonorably discharged from the armed forces
  • You meet Federal Requirements