Bail Bondsmen Need To Protect Client Information - Page 2
The dynamic within the bail bonds world is fluid. Bondsmen frequently operate in an environment necessitating quick action while laden with ambiguity. However, this unique business environment shouldn't be thought of as a reason for bail bond professionals to become lax and ignore prudent information safeguards. To the contrary. Since the industry has so many opportunities in which information security can be compromised, it needs to have a heightened sense of vigilance.
Due to the unique nature of the bail bonds industry and the public access to legal records, some client information does of course find its way into the open. While the specific information security procedures utilized in other industries may not be feasible for the bail bonds world. The thoroughness in which information is safeguarded elsewhere certainly can be adopted. For example, verifying the identity of persons requesting client information should be a standard, unwavering practice. That in of itself would stop the scam in Washington.
The ramifications of not protecting client information, where appropriate, should not be ignored. Bail bondsmen would be prudent to examine the potential liability they assume if client information is disclosed improperly or to unauthorized parties. If a bondsman provides information that is then used to defraud a client, does the bondsman have any liability stemming from their information security practices? In our litigious society, one should assume that the burden of defending business practices may very well take place as a defendant in civil action.
Not only does a sound client information security policy benefit a bondsman by managing their liability, but it should also be viewed as the right thing to do for clients. Bail bondsmen are not typically viewed in the same manner of fiduciary responsibility as a doctor, lawyer or financial services professional. However, they do have an ethical responsibility to not be careless with the information of those that have come to them for help in difficult times.
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