CARCO Group Announces New Director of Investigations
CARCO Group Announces New Director of Investigations
NEW YORK – July 12, 2010 - CARCO Group, Inc. announced today the appointment of James T. Meyerdierks as their new Director of Investigations. Mr. Meyerdierks will be responsible for conducting comprehensive due diligence and “know your customer” investigations.
Mr. Meyerdierks has worked since 2006 in corporate security and investigations. Most recently, Mr. Meyerdierks owned and operated his own consulting firm, Jim Meyerdierks Consulting, Inc. Prior to that, he performed anti-money laundering and fraud investigations for a large financial institution.
Prior to his investigative consulting work, Mr. Meyerdierks had a 23 year career with the New York City Police Department, where he retired as a NYPD Supervisor. His career with the NYPD included assignment to the Organized Crime Control Bureau, Federal Drug Enforcement Task Force, an elite federal task force comprised of Special Agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration, Investigators from the NYS Police, and Detectives from the NYC Police Department. At the NYPD, he specialized in conducting domestic and international intelligence investigations into illegal narcotics and money laundering activities.
Mr. Meyerdierks is a graduate of the State University of New York at Cortland, with a B.A. in Sociology and a Minor in Management.
Commenting on the announcement, Bruce Berger, CARCO's Vice President, Investigative Services Group, said, "We are very excited that Jim has decided to join us. His law enforcement background and track record will contribute to our strategic plans to grow and become the preeminent leader in risk mitigation services."
CARCO’S CEO invited to serve as Member representing the interests of NMVTIS technology partners on the Bureau of Justice Assistance’s NMVTIS Advisory Board.
PRESS RELEASE
CARCO’S CEO invited to serve as Memberrepresenting the interests of NMVTIS technology partners on the Bureau of Justice Assistance’s NMVTIS Advisory Board.
HOLTSVILLE, NY (May 21, 2010) – CARCO Group, Inc. is honored to announce that James Owens, CARCO’s CEO, has been invited by Jim Burch, Acting Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice, to serve as a Member representing the interests of NMVTIS technology partners on the Bureau of Justice Assistance’s NMVTIS Advisory Board.
In an effort to combat automobile theft and fraud and provide consumer protection, the national Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) was established by the Anti Car theft Act of 1992. NMVTIS is an electronic system designed to protect consumers from fraud and unsafe vehicles and to keep stolen vehicles from being resold. The system also assists states and law enforcement in deterring, investigating, and preventing title fraud and other crimes.
The NMVTIS Advisory Board’s objective is to provide critical input and key recommendations to BJA’s leadership regarding the effective and efficient administration of the NMVTIS program.
Through its CheckThatVIN.com service, CARCO provides consumers with access to NMVTIS to obtain a detailed state record on a vehicle they are seeking to purchase. This allows consumers to make well-informed decisions.
Background information about NMVTIS is available on the U.S. Department of Justice’s NMVTIS Web site at www.NMVTIS.gov. For more information on CARCO Group’s NMVTIS service, please visit www.carcogroup.com or CheckThatVIN.com.
At the seminar in Colorado last August, Past President Phil Crepeau was honored with the prestigious Dreher Award.
The Raymond W. Dreher Award was established in the memory of Lt. Raymond W. Dreher, Missouri Highway Patrol and 19th President of IAATI. It is awarded to members who have distinguished themselves by services to the association or for other major outstanding acts in the vehicle theft field.
Phil Crepeau served 20 years with the New York Police Dept. with the bulk of his career as a Detective and Investigative Supervisor in the Organized Crime Control Bureau’s Auto Crime Division. His achievements included co-founding the NYPD Auto Crime School in 1973. After retiring from the NYPD as a Lieutenant, he moved on to become Senior Vice President with CARCO Group, Inc., continuing his career combating auto theft with IAATI and most recently with LoJack.
His first exposure to IAATI was through the Northeast Chapter and was elected to their Board of Directors in 1973. He continued serving the Northeast Chapter through to his presidency in 1985, when he was also elected to the IAATI Board. He was elected as IAATI’s president in 1995 and through his years with IAATI and until today, he has worked on many committees and was instrumental in many IAATI milestones.
For example, he was directly involved in Constitutional change that ultimately broadened our membership base and voting privileges. Also, he was heavily involved in getting IAATI on to the Internet and bringing us all closer to our chapters and branches.
However, of all his accomplishments and influences in IAATI over the years, one stands out. For over 15 years now, our nominee has and continues to serve on the APB Committee as Managing Editor, troubleshooting issues affecting the magazine. Tirelessly, behind the scenes, over all these years, our nominee has and continues to be called upon to deal with issues and mediate between parties all the while conducting his new daily responsibilities with LoJack. Most recently, while IAATI was undergoing the transition between two publishers, our nominee was heavily involved and was pivotal in ensuring a smooth transition.
For his years of self-less dedication to the causes of IAATI and for his tireless work on the APB, Phil was nominated for and received the Dreher Award.
Congratulations Phil on this award and for your years of service!
Effective Database Tools Help Investigators Solve Vehicle-Related Crimes
Published in The APB
Published in The APB
March Issue, 2010
Effective Database Tools Help Investigators
Solve Vehicle-Related Crimes
By
Philip J. Crepeau
Anti-Fraud Program Advisor
CARCO Group Inc.
January 17, 2010
At no time in the history of law enforcement and related investigative disciplines has the convergence of technology, information management and data distribution been as significant and productive as it is today. Aided by technology, the analysis of data – the human factor – performed by trained, skilled investigators, is more likely to produce results than ever before. Digital technology has literally revolutionized the way information is obtained, processed, managed, stored, shared and used in the pursuit of criminals who successfully pocket billions of dollars each year through vehicle-related crimes including a host of insurance fraud schemes. As law enforcement professionals have learned over many years, information is their most potent weapon.
In law enforcement, as well as all aspects of business, industry, science, medicine and education, information has become the undisputed foundation of the investigative process, with the power and speed of computers and specialized database systems at the forefront.
On its own, information is valuable. Derived through single or multiple specialized database systems, however, connected via the now robust digital information highways, law enforcement and insurance industry investigative tools enable trained specialists to acquire essential information faster and more reliably than ever before. Perhaps the only thing that hasn’t changed since the early 1970's, when vehicle pre-insurance inspection reports were accompanied by Polaroid photos, is the necessary training and experience of the investigator – the foundation of any successful crime probe. In the vehicle crime arena, as a case in point, given the skills and experience to evaluate data, the abilities of the various database systems serving as gatekeepers of precious bits and pieces of information related to virtually every motor vehicle in the nation, the current array of crime solving tools that can be useful in pursuing criminals involved in vehicle-related crimes including the now widespread “Cloned vehicle” and “flood car” crimes is awesome.
So what are these databases, where are they, what type of information in contained, how are they accessed and how are they employed in the pursuit of the growing ranks of sophisticated criminals involved in vehicle-related crimes? With insurance fraud representing billions of dollars each year in pay-outs – a cost borne principally by the motoring public in the form of increased insurance rates – with a large percentage of claims clearly fraudulent, the role of investigators and the importance of the technology tools available to them is extremely important.
For the past few decades, as an example of the scope of vehicle-related crime, the dollar value of losses reported each year in the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reports as Major Property Crime Losses has averaged a little more than $15 Billion per year, of which about half, or close to $8 Billion, can be attributed to vehicle theft. In the opinion of many law enforcement professionals, between 15- to- 20 percent, or more, is attributable to fraudulent insurance claims.
In investigating suspicious claims a variety of processes or approaches come into play, many beginning with data searches performed through databases developed and maintained by a number of organizations.
The Digital Database
“Databases” are not all the same and, in fact, can be quite different. Although the widely used term is often used as a catchall for any type of information archive, there are many classifications for database systems based on their technical attributes, content, and what they are designed to do. And while the common denominator is that they all involve the storage and selected uses of information, the systems can be significantly different.
In general, a database is an integrated assortment of records, logically related and assembled into a collection of information that provides data for a single application and/or multiple uses. Classification can be based on content and/or the examination of various models or architectures. The various database gatekeeper organizations that serve the investigative community in the vehicle crime arena may have a variety of features tailored to the focus of the services that the organization provides or to the requirements of its clients.
Addressing the special needs of law enforcement investigators and insurance industry SIU’s involved in vehicle-related crime investigations, the CARCO Group, headquartered in Holtsville, NY, as an example, has developed over many years a powerful, sophisticated database system that performs numerous functions, beginning with automatically checking the authenticity of any Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) entered into the system, to verify that the VIN and vehicle match. The inspection program was originally mandated in a number of states as a defense against serious “paper car” problems.
The company’s highly refined database, evolved and refined over more than thirty years, enables investigators to pursue suspicious claims and easily access a spectrum of information about an inspected vehicle. The field-proven physical inspection process, with photographs, is deemed by investigators and insurance industry professionals to be one of the most effect ways to reduce fraudulent insurance pay-outs. The combination of the inspection report and visual documentation provides following information:
Photographs of the vehicle.
Close-up of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard Label, frequently called the EPA Label.
People responsible for having the vehicle inspected: names of driver and owner.
Date and time of inspection.
Location of the inspection site.
Name of insurance carrier(s).
Mileage shown on odometer.
Notes any existing damage.
Existing options and accessories.
Number of times the vehicle was inspected.
In situations where "clone hunting" is the focus, CARCO's database, which includes color photos of the vehicle as part of its inspection reports, clearly documents the vehicle's color, and often reveals model-year discrepancies. These occur when a car is registered and insured as a specific model year to agree with the year of the VIN being used. The stolen vehicle, on which the VIN is attached, however, can be detected as a different model year by a trained investigator through slight differences in features such as body design, exterior lighting fixtures or trim moldings that were not used on the model year shown in the VIN.
An important aspect of the vehicle inspection reports contained in CARCO’s unique database system is the ability to augment the inspector’s written observations with clear digital images of the inspected vehicle, particularly the EPA Label, generally located on the driver’s side door or door post. The EPA label photo provides visual clues that can help reveal a stolen, renumbered vehicle through a variety of physical characteristics including but not limited to:
Label design or format for the designated model year and manufacturing plant.
Incorrect spelling and/or placement.
Incorrect specifications that do not match the inspected vehicle such as model code, tire size and date of manufacture.
Key Vehicle-Related Database Resources
Currently existing are a number of private organizations and state and federal government agencies whose vehicle-related databases are regularly used by law enforcement and insurance industry SIU’s. While each of the information systems may be configured differently, depending on the nature and mission of the respective organization, the ability to access one or all database systems expands and enhances the investigator’s tool kit. Although there are others, the following organizations maintain some of the key vehicle theft-related databases.
AutoCheck: www.autocheck.com (1-888-397-3742)
The company is the vehicle history reporting service of Experian Information Solutions, Inc, a global information provider offering analysis tools and marketing services including: fraud detection, identity authentication, fraud protection and credit verification systems. AutoCheck’s reports include a vehicle history “Score” as an aid to prospective buyers of used vehicles. Inspection reports include a summary, title and problem check, odometer check, use and event check, and related history.
CARCO Group Inc: www.carcogroup.com (1-800-969-2272)
Founded in 1977, the company is the pioneer and long-time leader in the anti-fraud, pre-insurance vehicle inspection business. It provides services to more than 600 insurance companies and physically inspects in excess of 1.5 million vehicles a year through its extensive network of more than 6,000 inspection sites. The types of data contained in the company’s VIN-based inspection database, directly related to the physical examination of vehicles, include a detailed inspector’s report with information about the vehicle’s condition and other essential facts including an odometer reading and VIN information. CARCO’s database system, used nationwide and without charge, can be accessed through the Internet by law enforcement and SIU investigators, and the public.
Supplementing the written report are three digital photos, which show the vehicle’s condition and establishing that it actually exists, and a digital photograph of the all-important EPA Label. The label, which clearly shows the 17-digit VIN, establishes the vehicle’s identity, serving as its birth certificate. The contents of the CARCO database include historic listings in excess of 23 million inspection records from a number of states: New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Florida, California, and Ontario, Canada. The inspection report and related digital photos contained in the company’s huge database system provides a versatile resource for investigators checking suspicious claims.
Auto theft and insurance fraud investigators from law enforcement agencies across the country have access to this database without charge on a 24/7 basis.
For access to the CARCO database, contact Bill Frink: bfrink@carcogroup.com
CARFAX: www.carfax.com
The company maintains comprehensive vehicle data histories for used vehicle buyers and sellers including auto dealers. Vehicle history reports are available for all used cars and light trucks from model year 1981 or later. Reports, which include the VIN, also contain data such as: title information, flood damage history, total loss accident records, odometer readings, number of owners, accident indication (air-bag activation), and related information.
National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB): www.nicb.org (1-800-447-6282)
NICB is the nation’s leading not-for-profit organization and the cornerstone for law enforcement and insurance industry SIU’s. It was created to combat crimes including vehicle theft and insurance fraud, with resources also applied to the prevention and detection of these crimes. Created in 1992 in a merger between the National Automobile Theft Bureau (NATB) and the Insurance Crime Prevention Institute (ICPI), the organization’s membership includes a host of insurance carriers, self-insured companies, rental car companies, parking service providers, and companies engaged in transportation or related activities. NICB operates strategic and tactical information groups, from which information gathering and distribution is a key function including investigations and data services including the following:
Mirror image data from NCIC records of stolen vehicles.
Manufacturers’ shipping records.
Records from International Organization for Standardization (ISO) including
salvage, fire, accident and insurance carrier evaluations.
Export records.
Flood vehicle records.
Crime ring case records.
Impound records.
Records of suspect vehicles.
National Crime Information Center (NCIC): www.fbi.gov (1-304-625-2000)
Established in 1967 to create a centralized system to facilitate the flow of information between law enforcement branches, the organization’s capabilities were upgraded in the mid-90's. NCIC’s database system makes available an array of records for law enforcement and security use. NCIC’s databases include personal and property records, in which the latter includes stolen property, stolen vehicle and boat parts, and stolen vehicles and boats.
Data entries into NCIC’s system are from a variety of sources including federal law enforcement agencies, state and local law enforcement agencies, railroad police, and agencies including state and federal motor vehicle registration and licensing authorities.
National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS):
www.nmvtis.gov (E-mail: Nmvtis@usdoj.gov)
NMVTIS evolved from the IAATI-driven Anti-Car Theft Act of 1992, which gave the U.S. Department of Transportation responsibility for a national information system enabling states and other entities to access automobile titling information. In 1996 the Act was amended, with responsibility for system oversight transferred to the U.S. Department of Justice.
As generally perceived, the comprehensive NMVTIS program is highly and widely respected for the benefits provided to state vehicle administrators, and the public. The program provides advantages for the state vehicle titling process, as well as providing essential information to law enforcement agencies. Included in the entities reporting to NMVTIS are a variety of businesses and agencies that are required by law to report specific data. They include: state motor vehicle titling agencies, insurance carriers, vehicle recycling operations, junk and salvage yards. In a cooperative program, NMVTIS data can also be accessed through an account with CARCO Group, Inc., Holtsville, NY (1-800-969-2272).
Significance of NMVTIS Program
More than a million vehicles reported stolen each year.
Of vehicles reported stolen only 63% are recovered.
“VIN Cloning” has become a large, growing business.
The large number of vehicles affected by recent, major hurricanes – for example, app. 570,000 in 2005 – represent prime targets for title fraud or “brand washing.”
Possible links have been established, according to NMVTIS, between auto theft and terrorist activities.
State Motor Vehicle Bureaus
Access to the location and Internet links to individual state Motor Vehicle Bureaus (MVB) is available at a number of Web sites including: mycarstats.com and findlaw.com. The type of information available in individual state MVB databases generally includes the following:
Current ownership records.
Title & registration dates.
Vehicle color.
Mileage.
Accident histories.
Reciprocity records.
Summary
Today, as in the past, the key components in the major line of defense for a host of vehicle-related crimes are trained, dedicated, law enforcement and SIU investigators, effective pre-insurance inspection programs. In support of the investigative world are powerful 21st Century tools of which the specialized vehicle-related database systems are at the top of the list.
#####
Illustrations
A.2008 Lexus RX400H Inspection Report — Vehicle
was recovered by NICB in August 2009 while being
prepared for export to Hong Kong as part of a container shipment.
B.2008 Lexus RX400H—3/4 view: Front and left side of vehicle.
C.2008 Lexus RX400H —3/4 view: rear and right side of vehicle.
D.Valid Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard Label —2008 Lexus RX400H
E.Fraudulent Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard Label — 2008 Lexus RX400H
Hand-held wireless scanning–imaging transmission
device used by CARCO inspectors to document and
transmit inspection reports, with photos of the car and
EPA Label.The Motorola MC75 hand-held device
includes a bar code scanner, high-resolution autofocus
CARCO GROUP, INC. RECEIVES SUE WEAVER C.A.U.S.E. CERTIFICATION
CARCO GROUP, INC. RECEIVES SUE WEAVER C.A.U.S.E. CERTIFICATION
Joins elite group of companies committed to upholding stringent background screening standards
HOLTSVILLE, NY (March 5, 2010)—CARCO Group, Inc. (CARCO), a worldwide leader in background screening and investigations, announced that they have been granted Sue Weaver C.A.U.S.E . Certification, an honor given to companies who demonstrate the integrity demanded by The C.A.U.S.E., and who also apply strict background standards when working with service providers seeking certification.
The Sue Weaver C.A.U.S.E was created to promote Consumer Awareness of Unsafe Service Employment regarding the necessity of criminal background checks on service employees and contractors hired to work in or near clients’ homes. Founded in honor of Sue Weaver, who lost her life to an unscreened worker in her home, the organization launched their Certification campaign in 2008 to identify companies who perform criminal background checks on workers sent into consumers’ homes.
In addition to being Certified, CARCO is also working with The C.A.U.S.E to develop a technology platform that will make it easy for Certified companies to maintain compliance with C.A.U.S.E. standards. When complete, this Web-based platform will allow any Certified background provider to upload individual certification information, thus allowing companies and consumers to verify stated Certifications. “We are excited to work with such a worthy organization, and we look forward to delivering technology that will enhance the C.A.U.S.E. Certification Program,” said James Owens, CEO and President of CARCO Group, Inc.
About CARCO Group, Inc.: Founded in 1977 CARCO Group, Inc. is a nationally recognized information services company that provides investigative, fraud detection, and risk mitigation services to corporations and business entities.
CARCO's Background Screening Services division and Investigative & Security Consulting division provide background investigations on potential and current employees, vendors, customers, and business partners. CARCO currently conducts over 1,000,000 reports per year, and its services include self-service portal technology, domestic and international due diligence, and general and financial investigations.
About The Sue Weaver C.A.U.S.E.:
The Sue Weaver C.A.U.S.E., Consumer Awareness of Unsafe Service Employment, is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization that brings awareness and education to consumers and employers regarding the necessity of criminal background checks on all service employees, contractors and subcontractors hired to work in or near clients’ homes.
CARCO GROUP, INC. PUBLISHES WHITE PAPER ON THE IMPORTANCE OF THE BACKGROUND SCREENING OF TEMPORARY EMPLOYEES
As the face of the American workforce changes, so must screening practices
HOLTSVILLE, NY (February 9, 2010)—CARCO Group, Inc. (CARCO), a worldwide leader in background screening and investigations, announced today the publication of a white paper that explores the importance of screening temporary workers. Published in response to a growing trend by companies to employ temporary workers in key roles and for lengthier periods of time, the white paper reviews the benefits of temporary employee screening, while also noting the risks associated with not screening these workers.
Included in this analysis are the facts that the U.S. Department of Labor projects employment of temporary employees to grow almost 20% through 2018, temporary workers are increasingly being placed in positions of authority with the same access to company property and assets as full-time screened employees, and negligent hiring lawsuits are on the rise—with employers being held liable for the actions of temporary employees.
“As the workforce changes and temporary workers stake a claim as permanent fixtures, it is critical to provide fast and accurate background screening that can be done cost-effectively,” James Owens, CEO and President of CARCO Group, Inc. notes in the paper. “Along with our competitors, we offer such solutions, and expect demand for these services to grow as the trend for temporary employees to fill critical voids grows.”
For more information, or to download the white paper, visit www.carcogroup.com.
About CARCO Group, Inc.: Founded in 1977 CARCO Group, Inc., and its two divisions, is a nationally recognized information services company that provides investigative, fraud detection, and risk mitigation services to corporations and business entities.
CARCO's Background Screening Services division and Investigative & Security Consulting division provide background investigations on potential and current employees, vendors, customers, and business partners, as well as drug testing and fingerprinting services. CARCO currently conducts over 1,000,000 reports per year, and its services include self-service portal technology, domestic and international due diligence, and general and financial investigations.
CARCO's Inspection Services division provides insurance carriers with pre-insurance vehicle inspection reports that reduce auto insurance fraud. This service is provided to more than 600 insurance companies through a network of more than 6,000 inspection sites. CARCO inspects more than 1.5 million motor vehicles each year.
FRED GILES JOINS CARCO'S STAFF AS VICE PRESIDENT, RESEARCH DIVISION
CARCO is pleased to announce the addition of Fred Giles as Vice President, Research Division. Fred has 30+ years of experience in loss prevention public record retrieval, employment screening, corporate asset protection, and investigative interviewing. Most recently as the Vice President of Background Information Services at National Diagnostics, Inc. (NDI), he was responsible for providing leadership and strategic direction for NDI's background information services division.
Fred is a Certified Protection Professional with ASIS International and serves on the Business Practices Council. He is a member of the National Council for Investigative and Security Services and the Society for Human Resources Management.
He is also a founding member of the National Association of Professional Background Screeners where he currently serves as an Executive Member of the Board of Directors and is a past Chair of the Government Relations Committee.
Fred holds a BA from Syracuse University and has completed several postgraduate and in-service training courses including studies at the North Carolina Justice Academy.
In a ceremony at CARCO's corporate headquarters, GEICO presented CARCO the prestigious "Certificate of Partnership Excellence" award. CARCO was chosen by the selection committee to recognize the Company's "superior quality in product delivery and customer service".
GEICO representatives, Carol Berthold and Rod Curran, explained that this award is presented only once annually to a single GEICO vendor who exemplifies commitment to service, ultimately enhancing GEICO's efficiencies and allowing them to better service their customers.
New Product Announcement: Supplemental National Criminal Information
CARCO is pleased to announce a new search tool that can supplement your current county/statewide and federal criminal history record checks.
CARCO's new offering consists of a proprietary database search of 127 million files from thirty eight 38 states, with significantly more files and additional state participants expected to be added throughout the year. The database consists of current and historical arrest, felony, misdemeanor, incarceration, conviction, fugitive, escapee, absconder and probation information from participating states.
This database search is not recommended to replace your current criminal search program, but can be used as a cost effective supplement. The database contains information from extensive geographic sources and therefore, may provide additional criminal data that may not be discovered under your current search parameters.
The database is typically updated monthly and, like other CARCO products, adverse data is re-verified prior to dissemination as part of a quality assurance process and to ensure FCRA compliance.
This useful tool is available immediately by contacting your customer service representative.
If you have any questions, please contact us at (800) 969-2272, extension 365 or 515.
SAL MARTINICO JOINS CARCO'S STAFF AS SVP, SALES & MARKETING
CARCO is pleased to announce that effective June 22, 2009, Sal Martinico has joined our staff as Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing, reporting directly to the President & CEO.
Sal brings to CARCO over 16 years of sales and marketing experience from ADP, where he most recently served as Corporate Sales Manager, Business Incentives. During his tenure at ADP, Sal was recognized numerous times for sales excellence and his leadership ability.
Sal holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Ithaca College.
HOLTSVILLE, N.Y., May 6, 2009 — The National Association of Professional Background Screeners (NAPBS) elects Bruce Berger, Vice President, CARCO Group, Inc., as a director serving a two year term.
The National Association of Professional Background Screeners (NAPBS(R)) is the leading national resource for issues related to the rapidly expanding background screening industry. Founded in 2003 as a nonprofit trade association, NAPBS promotes ethical business practices and fosters awareness of privacy rights and consumer protection issues. It is the foremost leader in the movement toward establishing generally accepted and reliable standards for background screening professionals and organizations. Now representing over 650 member companies in the U.S. and internationally, NAPBS is active in public affairs and presents a unified voice for the industry in the development of national, state, and local regulation. It advances industry objectives by providing a national infrastructure, organizational support, strong branding, and a forum for an open exchange of ideas. It also sponsors research on front-burner issues relevant to the industry; for example, consumer disputes and screening for terrorists. The NAPBS has also unveiled an accreditation program for NAPBS members, exhibited at conferences of human resources professionals and other related industries.
Board of Directors Elects James Owens to CEO of CARCO and its Affiliates.
On July 1, 2008, the Board of Directors elected James Owens to the position of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CARCO Group, Inc. and its Affiliates. In addition to retaining his title as President, Jim will assume his new responsibilities on July 1, 2008.
Mr. Owens has over 17 years of operational and information technology experience, which makes him well qualified for his new role. Mr. Owens joined CARCO on March 10, 2003 as the Chief Information and Technology Officer. First as CITO, and then as CITO and head of the Research Division, he led the modernization of CARCO’s technology and operations. On July 30, 2007, he was then promoted to President and Chief Operating Officer.
Prior to joining CARCO, Mr. Owens was a Lead Architect at Cap Gemini Ernst and Young (CGEY). Previous to that, Mr. Owens was a naval officer in the U.S. Submarine Service, where he served as Information Systems Department Head for the U.S. Navy Submarine Training Facility in North Virginia and Combat Systems Department Head for the USS Albany.
Mr. Owens holds a B.S. in Physics with a minor in Mathematics, summa cum laude, from the Georgia Institute of Technology, and was certified in the supervision, maintenance, and operation of a submarine nuclear power plant.
North Carolina Employment Security Commission Presents Employer Award to CARCO
In a ceremony held in Wilmington, NC on June 12, 2008, the Employment Security Commission of North Carolina presented CARCO with an Employer Award for positive contributions to the North Carolina economy and partnership with the Employment Security Commission. CARCO was nominated by the Fayetteville, NC branch of the Employment Security commission for being an integral part of the economic vitality of the region.
CARCO Names New Head of Investigative Service Division
Holtsville, NY (October, 2007) CARCO Group, Inc. has named Bruce Berger as Vice President of the Investigative Service Division. Bruce replaces John Murphy, who is no longer with CARCO Group, Inc.
Bruce has been with CARCO for 15 years and has demonstrated industry knowledge, integrity and dedication to service. He has served as Special Project Manager, Director of Special Projects and most recently, Vice President - Center for Information Services.
In his new capacity, Bruce will utilize his formal training in Total Quality Management and Process Improvement to serve you, the CARCO clients. He is looking forward to meeting the challenges of his new position.
Bruce is a member of the American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS), National Council of Investigation and Security Services (NCISS), and the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE).
Bruce may be reached at his New York office, (631) 862-9300 X348 or through e-mail at bberger@carcogroup.com.
CARCO Group, Inc. Moves Into New Corporate Headquarters
HOLTSVILLE, NY - January 25, 2006 - In response to its continued and sustained growth, CARCO Group, Inc., a leading provider of risk mitigation and security services, has moved its corporate headquarters and operations center from St. James, NY to Holtsville, NY effective February 6, 2006. The new 23,600 square foot headquarters and operations center will provide the company with a world-class facility equipped with state-of-the art technology designed specifically to better serve its customers and enhance the company's efficiency. The new facility will accommodate the organization's strong growth and expansion of its business and services in the future.
NEW YORK - March 10, 2003 - The CARCO Group announced today the appointment of James Owens as their new Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer.
Mr. Owens formerly served as a lead information technology architect at Cap Gemini Ernst & Young. As Senior Manager and Lead Architect, he orchestrated over 25 successful technology builds with budgets from five to fifteen million dollars, and directed several large scale system implementations using state-of-the-art technology.
Prior to his employment with Cap Gemini Ernst & Young, Mr. Owens headed the Submarine Training Facility (SUBTRAFAC), in Norfolk VA, for the U.S. Navy. As head of the Information Systems Department at SUBTRAFAC, he spearheaded the modernization of the entire information technology infrastructure. This included the development and implementation of modern Web applications that significantly improved operational efficiencies.
Commenting on the announcement, Michael Slattery, Jr., CARCO's President and COO, said, "We are very excited that Jim has decided to join us. His strong technology background and proven track record will contribute to our strategic plans to grow and become the preeminent leader in risk mitigation services."
CARCO selected by UN and Special Court of Sierra Leone to Conduct Security Assessment
Saint James, NY - August 22, 2002 - CARCO Group, Inc. announced today that it has been selected by the United Nations and the Special Court of Sierra Leone to conduct a vulnerability and security assessment for the Special Court. The Court, which was established to bring to justice those individuals responsible for atrocities and other violations of human rights as a result of internal conflicts in Sierra Leone, is supported by a United Nations Security Council resolution.
The vulnerability and security assessment will be conducted by CARCO Group, Inc.'s Director for the U.S. Southeast Region, David Blizzard, a recognized expert in international security matters. Mr. Blizzard, a retired Colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps, was previously responsible for the establishment and administration of the highly respected, fully integrated, security program for the International War Crimes Tribunal in The Hague. Mr. Blizzard has also served as Chief of Security for the United Nations Human Rights Verification Mission in Guatemala City, Guatemala, and the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission to Mozambique.
Mr. Blizzard's assignment in Sierra Leone will involve consulting with the Special Court on the establishment of security operations for the court involving executive protection, physical and informational security, housing and movement of defendants, and counter-intelligence measures.
Archer Daniels Midland Company Awards CARCO Group, Inc. National Pre-Employment Background Screening Contract
NEW YORK - June 28, 2002 - CARCO Group, Inc., a global provider of risk mitigation services for 30+ years, has been awarded a national contract by Archer Daniels Midland Company to perform pre-employment background screening checks.
Archer Daniels Midland Company, one of the world's largest grain processors, will begin screening new hires at all of their domestic locations in a pro-active initiative to protect company assets, employees and customers. Regarding the selection of CARCO Group, Mark Cheviron, ADM's Corporate Vice President and Director of Security and Services, stated, "After extensive research into other providers, we felt CARCO Group was the best fit for ADM. Their record for timely and accurate reports was a deciding factor".
"We are privileged and honored to have been awarded this significant contract and look forward to a mutually beneficial long-term partnership", said Michael J. Slattery, CARCO's President and COO.
CARCO Group Announces New "KNOW YOUR CUSTOMER PROGRAM"
NEW YORK - June 27, 2002 - CARCO Group, Inc., a global provider of risk mitigation services for 30+ years, announced today the launch of a new service offering entitled: "Know Your Customer Program". The new due diligence service has been designed specifically for financial institutions.
With the advent of the USA Patriot Act, requiring enhanced due diligence of customers and foreign correspondent banks, many financial institutions are seeking a comprehensive, yet cost-effective, solution to complying with the Act's provisions.
CARCO's Know Your Customer Program can assist financial institutions in overcoming the ingenuity and sophistication of money laundering schemes designed by drug traffickers, terrorists and other organized crime elements.
In response to the Patriot Act, the program reinforces the effectiveness of existing internal due diligence processes in a timely and cost-effective manner. Through a series of proven screening procedures, the Know Your Customer Program enables financial institutions to quickly vet potential clients and foreign correspondent banks. The program is effectively implemented as part of a financial institution's standard procedure for vetting new customers and correspondent banks and is available both domestically and internationally.
Commenting on the new service, Michael J. Slattery, CARCO's President and COO stated, "The program will provide financial institutions with time-sensitive and critical information to allow management to make essential business decisions in today's high risk environment".
CARCO Chairman Receives Ellis Island Medal of Honor in 1999
Mr. Peter L. O’Neill, CARCO’s Chief Executive Officer, was among the recipients of the prestigious Ellis Island Medal of Honor in 1999 presented by the National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations (NECO).
Ellis Island Medal of Honor recipients are selected each year through a national nomination process. Other awardees include Senator John Glenn, Roger Ailes, Chairman & CEO of Fox News; Robert C. Nakasone, CEO of Toys ‘R’ Us, and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, William Rehnquist.
Established in 1986 by NECO, the Ellis Island Medals of Honor pay tribute to the ancestry groups that comprise America’s unique cultural mosaic. Past recipients include seven past U.S. Presidents, Muhammad Ali, Bob Hope, Coretta Scott King and General Norman Schwarzkopf.
NECO is the largest organization of its kind in the United States. It serves as an umbrella group for 300 ethnic organizations and its mandate is to preserve ethnic diversity, promote ethnic and religious equality, tolerance and harmony, and to combat injustice, hatred and bigotry.
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