U.S. VIGILANCE METHODS

Waipa Post, Volume 42, Issue 3262, 19 February 1931, Page 3

U.S. VIGILANCE METHODS

BID FOR “OFFICE SPY”

SYSTEM.

. Being spied upon is the unpleasant fear, that many employees will have following a revelation made in England that an American firm is attempting to introduce a “ vigilance system,” in that country. The London Sunday Chronicle learns that there has been started in London a “Private Inquiry Association” which is now engaged in circularising employers the country offering to “ keep watch over ’’ members of staffs who may be employed in positions of responsibility, i For an annual subscription the “Inquiry Association” offers to supply a “vigilance service,” a specimen of which is supplied in the following form:—

“ Jones, J.—'Head cashier.—Previously with Messrs in a similar capacity. Left of own accord. Drinks occasionally. Wife extravagant, and does no work herself. Both 'bet on horses. Jones also dabbles in football coupons. Reported to be about to buy a house on rent-purchase system, and borrowed deposit. Both man and wife require to be watched.” The “Inquiry Association” makes it a boast in its printed matter that is now being distributed that “it allows not even the most trifling episode in an employee’s daily life to pass unnoticed and unnoted by it,!’ and in support of this prints a specimen “ record ” on., something like the following lines:— Number.—7B9,s43. Name.—Jones, Arthur James. Address.—999, Utopia Street, Millehester. Age.—2s. Condition: Married. Family: Ofie son. Employers.—The Granite Sandwich Manufacturing Co., Ltd. Position.-»-Assistant cashier. Salary.—Five pounds weekly. Life Insurance. —Economy and Industrial Co., Ltd. • * Property.—Nil. Furniture of house in name of wife. Bank Balance.—Low, and frequently overdrawn to small amount. Clubs.—Millchester Social, Nomads •Tennis, South End Football. Remarks.—Attends greyhound racing, local race meetings, and plays cards and billiards. Previous Employment.—Nil. Character.—Good. There are at present reputable firms of inquiry agents to whom recourse may be had by firms should the need arise, but the system which the American firm is attempting to intro*duce goes far beyond what is considered reasonable in England.