Lantern and Shield Program Terms and Conditions

1. Introduction

This Membership Agreement (hereinafter, “Agreement”) is entered into by and between Soteria of Washington (hereinafter, “Soteria,” “we,” “our,” or “us”), a licensed private investigation and security services provider and registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and the undersigned Member (“Member,” “you,” or “your”). By enrolling in the Lantern and Shield Program, you agree to be bound by the terms and conditions outlined herein, which shall govern your use of the services provided under this Agreement.

2. Definitions

The following terms shall have the meanings set forth below for purposes of this Agreement:

• Primary Member: The individual holding the primary account and who assumes responsibility for all billing, service requests, and management of account information.
• Chosen Family Member: Any additional member added under the Primary Member’s plan, each of whom contributes additional Service Requests.
• Gifted Plan Recipient: A person to whom a Lantern and Shield Program membership is gifted and who must independently activate the account.
• Service Request: A pre-paid service unit redeemable for core services or an hour of general investigative or security work, subject to availability and approval.
• Misuse: Use of services or equipment in a manner inconsistent with the stated purposes, policies, and guidelines established by Soteria or applicable law.
• Confidential Information: All data and information received by Soteria in the course of providing services that is not publicly available and is protected from unauthorized disclosure.

3. Covered Services and Service Request Guidelines

The Lantern and Shield Program entitles Members to redeem Service Requests for a variety of services as specified in the program documentation. Each Service Request is redeemable for a single core service or one hour of general investigative or security services, subject to eligibility requirements, pre-approval, and availability.

3.1 Additional and Rental Services

• Equipment Rental: Members may utilize Service Request for the rental of security and investigative equipment, including but not limited to GPS tracking devices, personal property trackers, and surveillance equipment. Rentals are subject to Soteria’s usage policies, return conditions, and any applicable fees for damage or late returns.

4. Standard Rates and Discounts

• Base Rate: Standard investigative and security services are billed at $150 per hour in ¼-hour increments, or at a daily rate of $1,200 (whichever is lower).
• Discounts: Program members receive a 15% discount on additional services beyond their included Service Request. This discount applies to the base rate to establish the full value of services for legal and accounting purposes.

4.1 Annual Payment Discount

Members who pay for a full year upfront receive a 15% discount on the total annual membership cost. This discount applies after any other discounts are factored in.

4.2 Chosen Family Member Discount

Chosen Family Members are added to the Primary Member’s account for a fixed fee of $216 annually or $20 per month per additional member. The plan includes 8 shared Service Requests annually, with the option to purchase more at standard rates.

5. Court Appearances and Testimonies

Members agree to compensate Soteria for any court appearances, depositions, or legally compelled testimony arising from their case. This includes standby, waiting, and on-call time, billed at $150 per hour or $1,200 per day, whichever is lower.

This obligation applies even if the contract is terminated for misuse or other breaches by the Member.

6. Misrepresentation and Confidentiality

6.1 Forfeiture of Confidentiality

If a Member provides false or misleading information or misrepresents their intentions, Soteria reserves the right to waive confidentiality. Information may be disclosed to affected parties if the misrepresentation risks harm or violates ethical standards.

Examples include, but are not limited to, using investigative services under false pretenses to stalk, harass, or harm others. Members affirm that all information provided to Soteria is true and accurate to the best of their knowledge.

7. Fieldwork, Off-Site Meetings, and Additional Expenses

All fieldwork and off-site meetings incur additional travel-related expenses, including mileage (billed at the federal mileage rate), tolls, parking, meals, and accommodations as necessary. These charges apply uniformly, regardless of geographic location.

Soteria will strive to minimize costs by conducting remote services when feasible. Members agree to cover these expenses as part of their service request.

8. Gifted Memberships

Gifted memberships are prepaid and tied to the recipient’s account. Recipients must activate their membership to access included Service Requests. Any additional expenses or service requests beyond the included credits are the sole responsibility of the recipient, not the gifter.

9. Amendments, Termination, and Refund Policies

9.1 Amendments

Soteria reserves the right to modify or amend these Terms and Conditions at its sole discretion to comply with legal requirements or internal policy changes. Members will be notified of any amendments in writing, and continued use of the services shall constitute acceptance of the amended terms.

9.2 Cancellation and Refund Policy

1. First 30 Days: Members may cancel within the first 30 days for a full refund, provided no Service Requests have been used.
2. Mid-Year Cancellations: No refunds or cancellations are allowed after 30 days, except in extreme circumstances as approved by Soteria.
3. Auto-Renewal: All memberships renew annually unless canceled in writing at least 30 days before the renewal date.

10. Legal Advice and Insurance Disclaimer

10.1 Legal Advice Disclaimer

Members acknowledge and agree that Soteria of Washington and its staff are not attorneys and do not provide legal advice. Any information, opinions, or experiences shared by Soteria staff regarding prior cases or general practices are offered for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice.

Soteria does not warrant the accuracy, applicability, or completeness of such information to any specific situation, and Members are solely responsible for seeking appropriate legal counsel from a licensed attorney for all legal matters, including but not limited to the legality of actions, contracts, disputes, or compliance with laws and regulations.

10.2 Insurance Disclaimer

Members further acknowledge and agree that the Lantern and Shield Program is not an insurance program and does not provide indemnification or financial compensation for losses, damages, or injuries.

The services provided under this program are limited to investigative and security support as outlined in the program documentation and do not constitute a guarantee of any particular outcome or the prevention of harm. Members are encouraged to seek insurance coverage from a licensed insurer for financial protection related to property, liability, or personal risks.

By entering into this Agreement, Members affirm that they understand and accept that reliance on the Lantern and Shield Program for any purpose beyond the described services is at their own risk, and Soteria shall not be held liable for any expectations or outcomes inconsistent with the stated terms.