[GA ARES] American Red Cross Volunteer Background Checks.

[Stephen Reynolds]

Since I already have been screened for a Weapons Permit (read that as Concealed Carry Firearms Permit) for the last 20 years, and have driven and participated in a Presidential Motorcade in Atlanta this year in February (also screened at the highest level), that I do not need to submit anything for this issue.  I won't be responding to any Red Cross Issues in this state, but I may support them from my own station.

Steve W4CNG ADEC Metro - Atlanta ARES
> 
> From: "WA4DYD" <wa4dyd at earthlink.net>
> Date: 2006/10/27 Fri PM 07:07:38 EDT
> To: <ares at gaares.org>
> Subject: Re: [GA ARES] American Red Cross Volunteer Background Checks.
> 
> 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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