On May 1st, the Georgia Retailers Organized Crime Alliance (GROC) hosted its inaugural Law Enforcement Symposium, marking a significant step forward in the fight against organized retail crime (ORC) in Georgia.
The event took place at the Cobb County Police Public Safety Training Facility in Austell, Georgia and GROC would like to thank Cobb County Police for their ongoing partnerships and the use of their facility. In appreciation, GROC made a $500 donation to support the Cobb County Police Cadets, furthering their mission of developing the next generation of law enforcement officers.
Months of planning resulted in a symposium that brought together 100 law enforcement partners as well as a few retail professionals for a day dedicated to networking and education on ORC. GROC extends its appreciation to Ensurity for their sponsorship of the event and would also like to thank our partners from Walmart, Kroger, and Target for their contributions to the symposium.
Chad McManus, chair of GROC, kicked off the proceedings by providing an overview of ORC—its impact in Georgia, GROC’s commitment to combating ORC, and how agencies can join the alliance. The morning session was highlighted by ADA John Melvin’s insightful exploration of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), drawing upon his extensive experience in prosecuting ORC cases.
In the afternoon, attendees gained valuable insights from Dr. David Maimon of Georgia State University, who pulled back the curtains on the complexities of cybercrime and its intersection with ORC, particularly within the realm of the dark web. The Symposium concluded with a presentation on GROC’s ORC Blitz initiatives, outlining past successes and strategies for future blitz operations.
The event facilitated networking and the development of new partnerships, bolstering GROC’s outreach and impact in the battle against ORC. GROC’s inaugural Law Enforcement Symposium underscored the significance of collaboration, innovation, and mutual dedication in combating ORC. GROC also announced its upcoming 14th Annual Retail Crime Conference, which is scheduled for August 7th at the Kennesaw State University Marietta Campus, and plans for a Fall LEO Symposium in South Georgia, aimed at furthering engagement across jurisdictions outside of Metro Atlanta.
For further information, visit www.georgiaroc.org.