Post by: Ben on July 23, 2007, 07:58:03 AM
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http://www.govexec.com/features/0707-15/0707-15buzz.htm
IN EVERY ISSUE The Buzz
letters@govexec.com Government Executive July 15, 2007
/features/0707-15/0707-15buzz.htm
Private Spies
It turns out that Uncle Sam isn't the only one watching out for terrorists, enemy agents, saboteurs, bombers, kidnappers and dangerous trends. Sam Walton's folks are, too. The world's largest company has begun competing for spying talent.
Wal-Mart, with its 1.7 million em-ployees and more than 6,000 stores in 16 countries, is putting together its own corporate CIA, the Analytical Research Center, at company headquarters in tiny Bentonville, Ark. The center is part of the retailer's global security division, which is headed by former CIA and FBI officer Kenneth Senser. The center is led by David Harrison, formerly of the Border Patrol, Justice Department, 82nd Airborne and Army Special Operations.
Early this year, the center began advertising for threat analysts on Web sites for intelligence and law enforcement officers. On March 8, for example, Wal-Mart advertised on the site of the International Association of Crime Analysts. According to the job description, "threat analysts provide an objective perspective to assist key corporate leadership in critical decision-making involving corporate reputation and image, operations, safety and security concerns, and emerging world events."
Harrison's center will gather information about violence and threats against Wal-Mart and perform background checks on new employees. It no doubt also will mine the huge database of personal information the store maintains on all current and former employees, 47 million Sam's Club members, anyone who files a claim against the company or uses its pharmacies, as well as the vehicle identification numbers, license plate numbers and home addresses of those who get their oil changed at Wal-Mart.
The store also tracks those who buy propane tanks or more than three prepaid cell phones, Harrison told Government Security News in February.
Of Wal-Mart's data repository, he said: "If a [Joint Terrorism Task Force] comes to us and wants to look at it, I believe we would cooperate."
Post by: K Frame on July 23, 2007, 08:03:53 AM
Post by: Paddy on July 23, 2007, 08:08:26 AM
Post by: grislyatoms on July 23, 2007, 08:15:01 AM
No, I don't believe it's time for tin foil haberdashery, but there is the 4th amendment and I don't believe my day-to-day actions would interest any "intelligence" outfits, public or private, anyway.
CYA, and all that.
Post by: Gewehr98 on July 23, 2007, 08:22:59 AM
Wonder if they're still hiring?
(Industrial espionage ain't just a military thing...)
Post by: Paddy on July 23, 2007, 08:34:17 AM
Post by: Paddy on July 23, 2007, 08:35:38 AM
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Cool!
Wonder if they're still hiring?
And you get one of those neat blue vests. Wonder if they're still hiring?
Post by: K Frame on July 23, 2007, 08:59:49 AM
Post by: Gewehr98 on July 23, 2007, 09:05:58 AM
Post by: roo_ster on July 23, 2007, 09:07:06 AM
I did not see anything like this on the wal-mart external job posting site.
Post by: charby on July 23, 2007, 09:46:53 AM
DING SPIES ARE DONE DING SPIES ARE DONE!
BAHHA AHAAA HA AHA AH AHA AHA
Post by: Werewolf on July 23, 2007, 09:54:20 AM
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The store also tracks those who buy propane tanks or more than three prepaid cell phones, Harrison told Government Security News in February.
Please. Just tell 'em to FORK OFF! When ever asked by a store where I am paying cash (99% of the time even for big ticket items) for my name, zip etc I just tell 'em that's none of their business. Sometimes they come up with some song and dance about warranties, returns or some other nonsense but again I just say - nunya.No one has turned down my money yet...
Post by: Firethorn on July 23, 2007, 10:22:06 AM
Walmart is *HUGE*. Along with this comes risks that parallel countries - by GDP Walmart is larger than some countries, roughly equal to that of Tonga. (244 billion in 2003)
There are huge expenses(threats) that can be avoided if you're paying attention, huge opportunities for profit if you're prepared, etc... Especially when you're international.
Post by: HankB on July 23, 2007, 11:05:13 AM
I guess it isn't enough that most of their merchandise comes from Red China, now I guess they'll be hiring Chicoms, too!
(I'm old enough to remember when Wal-Mart ads used to proudly proclaim the numerous items they sold which were "Made in USA" . . . it's been a while.
)
Post by: Tallpine on July 23, 2007, 11:09:44 AM
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the Analytical Research Center, at company headquarters in tiny Bentonville, Ark.
ARC in Ark ....?
Post by: crt360 on July 23, 2007, 12:07:51 PM
Post by: Perd Hapley on July 23, 2007, 12:53:27 PM
Post by: Standing Wolf on July 23, 2007, 04:59:32 PM
Post by: wmenorr67 on July 23, 2007, 07:55:53 PM
Post by: LadySmith on July 23, 2007, 10:00:09 PM
When do they change their name to Blue Sun?
Oooh, good one.
Post by: El Tejon on July 24, 2007, 02:48:09 AM
What kind of intelligence will they gather? Info on tattoos, cigarettes and NASCAR? Latest dirty oversized t-shirt with sleeves cut off trends?
Post by: jeepmor on July 24, 2007, 03:26:07 AM
Post by: lee n. field on July 24, 2007, 03:26:33 AM
Post by: Tallpine on July 24, 2007, 05:30:42 AM
Post by: crt360 on July 24, 2007, 07:26:37 AM
] "Wal-Mart, knocking down prices and your front door" [/bouncing ]
Post by: El Tejon on July 24, 2007, 07:28:47 AM
*totters up on walker to front door* "Welcome to Walmart!" *throws in flashbang* "How can I help you?"
Post by: Antibubba on July 24, 2007, 08:10:31 PM
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Harrison's center will gather information about violence and threats against Wal-Mart and perform background checks on new employees. It no doubt also will mine the huge database of personal information the store maintains on all current and former employees, 47 million Sam's Club members, anyone who files a claim against the company or uses its pharmacies, as well as the vehicle identification numbers, license plate numbers and home addresses of those who get their oil changed at Wal-Mart.
I'll bet they've got buyers lined up for all that tasty info.
And is it too cynical to not believe the DHS isn't providing some "incentives" for doing this?