[GA ARES] American Red Cross Volunteer Background Checks.

[WA4DYD]

From: C. L. Morris [mailto:clmorris2005 at yahoo.com] 
Sent: Friday, October 27, 2006 6:51 PM
To: 
Subject: Fwd: Re: [GA ARES] American Red Cross Volunteer Background Checks.


Good Evening fellow Amateur Radio Operators:
 
It seems my last email concerning the background checks by the American Red
Cross (ARC) has generated much interest and controversy (something about a
"can of worms" being let loose). 
 
Dan Henderson, N1ND, at ARRL Headquarters reports that the League and the
ARC are working to resolve the concerns of all parties. The ARRL/ARC MOU
expires next year and the issue is being addressed at the highest level of
both organizations.
 
Below is an email I received from Mr. Bob Butler, W4RBB - DEC/ARC (Ga.),
offering an explanation of the ARC's position.  Please take a moment and
read his email.
 
Until such time as the powers-that-be resolve the multitude of concerns
associated with this topic and a memorandum from the ARC and the ARRL is
published addressing the concerns,
my revised recommendation is that:
each individual should take whatever action (assuming knowledge and a
consideration of any consequences) they feel most comfortable with
respecting the ARC mandated background checks.
 
Cooper L. Morris/wa4pzd
S.E. Division
Volunteer Counsel
 
 


RButler322 at aol.com wrote:

From: RButler322 at aol.com
Date: Fri, 27 Oct 2006 15:22:10 EDT
Subject: Re: [GA ARES] American Red Cross Volunteer Background Checks.
To: wa4dyd at arrl.net
CC: clmorris2005 at yahoo.com, SElguindi at ARCATL.org, SHallen at ARCATL.org



Dear Stan,
 
With regard to the Red Cross "minimum" background check concerns, I have
been touch with Salah El Guindi at the Atlanta Metro Chapter have received
the following response.
 
The form that the ARES member, Red Cross volunteer and paid staff is asked
to sign to authorize a minimum background check indeed references a credit
check, etc. The actual minimum check that is done consists of two
components: 1. Social security number verification 2. Criminal history
background check through the National Criminal File Search(NCFS). There is
no other check done, with these two exceptions :1. if the volunteer or paid
staff is going to operate their personal vehicle or a Red Cross vehicle, a
Motor Vehicle report is requested. 2. if the volunteer or paid staff is to
be handling money, a credit check will be requested. These additional checks
can only be requested by the unit administrator or the American Red Cross
National Background Check office.
 
  Both of these exceptions should have no bearing on an ARES or amateur
radio operator working with ARES.
 
Mr. Morris raises the issue of information security. My Background Check
whose corporate name is Pre-Employ.Com has been in business over 12 years in
California. It has never had a complaint with the Better Business Bureau.
Their web site is a secure site as evidenced by the "https". The "s"
confirming that the site is a secure site, complete with automatic
encryption and other safeguards. All information is kept on the vendor's
secure web-site. One has to go to the vendor's web-site and enter an
individualized password to access confidential information. The vendor does
not sell information and is bound by the Fair Credit Reporting Act(FCRA) to
only use the personal information provided for legitimate business purposes.
The undersigned has had this check done and confirms that only the two
checks were done.
 
A possible solution to this issue is currently being determined within the
Red Cross. It consists of the ARES member simply striking through the
wording in the authorization form that references "credit check" and
"background check" and initialing the strike through. Their legal department
is reviewing this possibility.
 
Finally, let me say that the Red Cross is very aware of this issue and will
deal with it, quickly. Its not only a local issue, but a national one. 
 
I would urge Mr. Cross to amend his recommendation(s) to correctly reflect
the foregoing information and disseminate same. I sought to contact him by
telephone, but his number had been temporarily disconnected.  
 
Respectfully submitted,
 
Bob Butler, W4RBB
DEC-Red Cross




Cooper L. Morris
Attorney at Law
P. O. Box 76522
Atlanta, Georgia 30358-1522
(770) 482-6364
clmorris2005 at yahoo.com

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  _____  

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