God Bless the FBI
Speaking with an FBI agent yesterday about the online records system across the country in general and in North Carolina specifically, and the responses received when people learn of our efforts. The general public is always thankful but with the exception of less than a dozen, the response of the registry system is nearly always hostile.
"Why would they act this way over something so obvious?" I asked.
He laughed, "Any time you have a hostile reaction to such an obviously wrong situation, someone has a lot of money at stake".
Well there's a reason those folks are chosen for their position.
We knew there was probably big money at stake, but there's no good reason for the registry system to be defensive. As someone who's been in nearly every courthouse in North Carolina for years I can understand why these folks would grab whatever opportunity that came along to better their office - even when it may not have been the smartest move.
Most registries seem to be an afterthought in their counties and have been since their inception. They're relegated to the smallest available dusty space and receive a disproportionate amount of county support in the way of taxes. By the time a software vendor or ten came along with a big check, these recorders of deeds saw larger, cleaner, offices, up-to-date technology, and shorter lines.
There's nothing wrong with that and in fact, I'd probably think the same. The problem is that it's gone too far. If registries would have stopped with an index online no one would be complaining. That would assist any attorney or paralegal or title company and give them a head start in their research, but would require crooks all over the world to show their faces inside the offices if they wanted to steal your county's data.
It isn't too late to roll back the clock. True, whatever's out there is out there now all over the world, but the court system is dealing with that breach directly with the software companies - and they do not have to answer to the voters. The registries do, but should know that voters are forgiving and have short memories.
If you're a recorder who sold your county's history of records to one or more data brokers or software companies, it isn't too late to stop. But don't throw good money after bad. And don't place your county office above your constituents' safety.
Publish the index, not the document image with identifying information. Because when there's a hostile attitude over such an obviously wrong situation, it makes me want to utilize the Freedom of Information Act to find out how many times your county's records were sold, to whom, how much you received, and where that money went.
God bless the FBI.
www.FindMyID.com
"Why would they act this way over something so obvious?" I asked.
He laughed, "Any time you have a hostile reaction to such an obviously wrong situation, someone has a lot of money at stake".
Well there's a reason those folks are chosen for their position.
We knew there was probably big money at stake, but there's no good reason for the registry system to be defensive. As someone who's been in nearly every courthouse in North Carolina for years I can understand why these folks would grab whatever opportunity that came along to better their office - even when it may not have been the smartest move.
Most registries seem to be an afterthought in their counties and have been since their inception. They're relegated to the smallest available dusty space and receive a disproportionate amount of county support in the way of taxes. By the time a software vendor or ten came along with a big check, these recorders of deeds saw larger, cleaner, offices, up-to-date technology, and shorter lines.
There's nothing wrong with that and in fact, I'd probably think the same. The problem is that it's gone too far. If registries would have stopped with an index online no one would be complaining. That would assist any attorney or paralegal or title company and give them a head start in their research, but would require crooks all over the world to show their faces inside the offices if they wanted to steal your county's data.
It isn't too late to roll back the clock. True, whatever's out there is out there now all over the world, but the court system is dealing with that breach directly with the software companies - and they do not have to answer to the voters. The registries do, but should know that voters are forgiving and have short memories.
If you're a recorder who sold your county's history of records to one or more data brokers or software companies, it isn't too late to stop. But don't throw good money after bad. And don't place your county office above your constituents' safety.
Publish the index, not the document image with identifying information. Because when there's a hostile attitude over such an obviously wrong situation, it makes me want to utilize the Freedom of Information Act to find out how many times your county's records were sold, to whom, how much you received, and where that money went.
God bless the FBI.
www.FindMyID.com
posted by Happy at 6:46 AM
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