Cory Rodriguez, CFE

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Ric Barber is a nationally recognized expert in vehicle crimes, criminal interdiction, and security operations. With more than 25 years of experience in law enforcement and corporate security, he has dedicated his career to combating vehicle-related crime, protecting assets, and training investigators across North America.

Ric began his law enforcement career in 2000 with the Georgia State Patrol, where he served for 17 years. During his tenure, he held several specialized assignments, including the DUI Task Force, Motor Unit, and as a K-9 Handler with the Criminal Interdiction Unit, conducting proactive criminal enforcement and interdiction operations throughout Georgia.

After retiring from the Georgia State Patrol, Ric joined a local police department, where he served for nine years. During that time, he was assigned to Traffic Enforcement, the Motor Unit, and the Crime Suppression Team. He was later promoted to Sergeant and served as the Crime Suppression Team Commander, leading proactive criminal investigations, specialized enforcement operations, and crime reduction initiatives.

Today, as the Director of Security for Pull-A-Part, Ric oversees corporate security, investigations, loss prevention, and asset protection strategies across multiple states. He works closely with law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, insurance professionals, and industry partners to combat organized crime, vehicle theft, catalytic converter theft, fraud, and other criminal activity affecting the automotive recycling industry.

Ric is a nationally sought-after instructor who has trained thousands of law enforcement officers, prosecutors, insurance investigators, and industry professionals throughout the United States and Canada. His areas of expertise include vehicle identification, auto theft investigations, title fraud, VIN fraud, organized vehicle crime, catalytic converter theft, criminal interdiction, and emerging trends impacting the automotive industry.

In addition to his investigative and instructional experience, Ric has served as an expert witness in criminal court proceedings involving vehicle crimes and investigative techniques. He has also presented before legislators at the Georgia State Capitol, providing insight on public safety issues, vehicle crime trends, and investigative strategies.

Ric currently serves as Second Vice President of the Southeast Chapter of the International Association of Auto Theft Investigators (SEIAATI), is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Vehicle Crimes Committee, and is an active member of the Georgia Auto Theft Intelligence Council (GATIC). He remains committed to advancing the vehicle crimes profession through education, collaboration, and the development of innovative investigative techniques that help law enforcement and industry professionals stay ahead of evolving criminal threats.