Building Safer Communities with Impactful Technology

Imagine a career where your daily work genuinely provides peace of mind, and even saves lives. This isn't a hypothetical; it's the reality for our teams dedicated to critical public safety initiatives within Equifax. At Equifax Workforce Solutions (EWS), our Public Safety business is committed to empowering individuals to live their best lives by equipping communities and people with the tools necessary for safety. As Jarrod Carnahan, Senior Vice President and General Manager of the EWS Public Safety business, explains, a cornerstone of this mission is VINE, the nation's leading victim notification network. VINE allows survivors, victims of crime, and other concerned citizens to access timely and reliable information about offenders or criminal cases in the U.S. 

We sat down with Jarrod to discuss how VINE’s technology is making a tangible difference and what it means to be a part of such a vital mission.

Tell us about the purpose and origins of VINE.

The VINE (Victim Information and Notification Everyday) program was born from tragedy in 1994, in Louisville, Kentucky. A young woman named Mary Byron was attacked by a former boyfriend. Despite assurances that her family would be notified upon his release from jail, they were not. He subsequently found and killed her. This devastating event spurred an immediate demand for technology to prevent similar incidents. VINE emerged as the answer, ensuring that victims and their families receive timely information about the custody status of offenders.

What kind of positive ripple effects have you observed as a result of VINE?

I routinely receive feedback from customers, and even colleagues and friends, on the positive impacts that VINE has had in their lives. What’s more, I’ve also witnessed firsthand the community that gets built when VINE is launched in a state. I personally led the implementation of one of our newer states and watching so many different stakeholders across government agencies, victim advocates, law enforcement and the private sector come together for a common cause is powerful. VINE isn’t the solution - the individuals serving their communities are the solution - but VINE is a common tool that can help make their jobs just a little bit easier. 

What is it like to lead and be a part of a team that creates something with such meaningful impact?

Many organizations have a mission, a call to action, that enables their teams to rally behind a common cause to help their customer. I’m fortunate to lead a team with a clear mission and clear impact of how what they’re doing helps people - might even save someone’s life. Our teams have often heard me say, ‘the work you do matters.’ Whether you join this organization as an engineer, an accountant, a marketing professional, a sales professional, or in our Customer First Center, every role supports a critical function that supports the mission of helping people live their best.

For someone watching this who might be looking for a career where they can make a real difference, what would you say about the opportunity to join your teams?

For anyone seeking to join a technology company that drives a truly meaningful impact on people's lives, I wholeheartedly encourage you to explore opportunities with our team at Equifax. It's a unique chance to be part of a data and technology organization that has such a profound influence on public safety and individual well-being. We are continuously seeking the brightest and most dedicated minds, because, without a doubt, the work we do matters.

Learn more about available opportunities at Equifax.