Press Releases

Here are the latest press releases. To view a section of text, please click on one of the following:

CARCO GROUP, INC. LAUNCHES FREE IPHONE APPLICATION THAT MAKES ACCESS TO CHECKTHATVIN PRODUCT MORE CONVENIENT

CARCO’s CheckThatVin product provides peace of mind when researching used vehicles.

HOLTSVILLE, NY (January 17, 2010) — CARCO Group, Inc. (CARCO),  a nationally recognized information services company that provides fraud detection and risk mitigation services to businesses, has just announced the release of a free iPhone application that allows mobile access to their CheckThatVin product.

CARCO GROUP, INC. LAUNCHES NEW PRODUCT THAT MAKES BACKGROUND SCREENING EASY AND AFFORDABLE FOR SMALL TO MEDIUM-SIZED COMPANIES

CARCO’s CheckToHire^SM provides peace of mind previously unavailable to smaller firms.

CARCO GROUP, INC. ANNOUNCES PROMOTION OF KEY EMPLOYEE TASKED WITH

OVERSEEING AND GROWING EMPLOYEE SCREENING DIVISION

Fred G. Giles promoted to Senior Vice President, Research Division

HOLTSVILLE, NY (December 12, 2010) — CARCO Group, Inc. is pleased to announce the promotion of Fred G. Giles to Senior Vice President, Research Division.  In his new role, Fred will be responsible for the growth and operations of the Research Division, which provides on-boarding technology and employment screening to Fortune 1000 companies.

Mr. Giles has over 30 years of experience in loss prevention and law enforcement, public record retrieval, employment screening, corporate asset protection and investigative interviewing, having served in a variety of positions in the industry.  Prior to his time at CARCO, Giles held positions as Vice President of Research Services in the Consulting & Investigations Division of an international security services company, President of a wholesale public records provider and, for 10 years, Vice President of the backgrounds verification division of a multi-national company, among others.  He has also been involved in consulting assignments for the Department of Defense and the National Security Agency.

In announcing the promotion, James C. Owens, CEO and President of CARCO, noted “Fred has been an invaluable member of the CARCO team for years, and we look forward to him continuing with us in his new role.  Fred has a real understanding of how our Research Division needs to grow and change over the next few years to stay competitive and we’re excited to have the division under his leadership.”

Mr. Giles holds a B.A. from Syracuse University and has completed several postgraduate and in-service training courses including studies at the North Carolina Justice Academy.  He is a licensed private investigator, 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 Resource Management and has served as Chair of the National Association of Professional Background Screeners (NAPBS) Government Relations Committee.  Giles has been an active member of the Accreditations and Standards as well as the Best Practices Committees, and currently serves as a Member of the Board of Directors as Treasurer.

Leveraging his extensive experience, Mr. Giles frequently speaks at conferences and has published several reports and articles on pre-employment selection.  He has served as subject matter expert to national news media, appearing on Discovery Channel's "Inside" series, and has published articles in Security Management and Loss Prevention Magazines, and is a contributing author to the Protection of Assets Manual and The Investigator’s Handbook, both published by ASIS.

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.

CARCO Group, Inc. Achieves Accreditation from Background Screening Credentialing Council

Supports CARCO’s commitment to excellence, accountability, high professional standards and continued improvement

HOLTSVILLE, NY (October 13, 2010) — CARCO Group, Inc. (CARCO), a worldwide leader in background screening and investigations, recently achieved accreditation from The National Association of Professional Background Screeners (NAPBS^®). CARCO has successfully proved compliance with the Background Screening Agency Accreditation Program (BSAAP) and will now be formally recognized as being BSCC Accredited.

The Background Screening Credentialing Council (BSCC) oversees the application process and is the governing accreditation body that ensures the background screening organization seeking accreditation either meets or exceeds a measurable standard of competence. To become accredited, consumer reporting agencies must pass a rigorous onsite audit, conducted by an independent auditing firm, of its policies and procedures as they relate to six critical areas: consumer protection, legal compliance, client education, product standards, service standards, and general business practices. The BSCC determined that CARCO met or exceeded over 50 industry standards.

“We are honored to receive this accreditation. We know this shows our company’s commitment to optimum service in the field of background screening and investigation,” said James Owens, CEO of CARCO.

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."

PRESS RELEASE

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.

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.

Published in The APB

March Issue, 2010

Philip Crepeau

Wins the Dreher Award

By

Ziggy Zablocki

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 19^th 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!

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

Source: CARCO Group, Inc.

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.

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.

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.

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."

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.

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.

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".

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.