[K3PZN-List] ARRL Board acts on background checks.

[Neeriemer, Bill (NIH/NLM/LHC) [C]]

FYI:

 

Background Checks

 

A major concern at this Board meeting was the topic of served agencies
and background investigations. The Ad Hoc Background Investigation
Committee agreed that pursuing federally recognized credentialing for
Amateur Radio volunteers was critical for the Amateur Radio Emergency
Service (ARES) to function. The Committee chairman, ARRL Atlantic
Division Director Bill Edgar, N3LLR, proposed that the Board adopt a
policy with regard to Memoranda of Understanding with the various served
agencies.

 

The Board adopted a policy that "communications volunteers participating
in ARRL-sponsored programs should not be required by served agencies to
undergo background investigations of any kind," but notes that criminal
background checks -- performed by law enforcement agencies -- are
"generally acceptable." The policy continues, "It is not reasonable for
a served agency to require these volunteers to consent to credit checks,
mode of living investigations or investigative consumer reports. In
negotiating or renegotiating Memoranda of Understanding that commit the
League to provide volunteer emergency communications support, the League
must be assured that these volunteers will not be required by the
partner organization to consent to credit checks, mode of living
investigations or investigative consumer reports."

 

73 Bill W3STG