Reasons Why Criminal Background Checks Is a Standard Practice in Employment Screening

A criminal background check is a standard practice that employers use to screen job applicants. It helps them reduce risk by ensuring that the people they hire are not a threat to themselves or their customers. A background check includes state, county and municipal records searches and pending criminal cases. Employers should always get the subject’s written consent before conducting a background check.

They Help Prevent Fraud

Few companies can afford to hire someone who will steal company assets, commit identity fraud, or otherwise risk the firm’s reputation. A criminal background check can help ensure the company only hires dependable workers. In addition, a background check can identify candidates who have convictions that may present a threat to staff or customers. For example, if a candidate has been convicted of an offense related to fraud or embezzlement, they should not be allowed to work for the firm. Verifying schooling and professional qualifications, searching social media, and running a credit check are all other searches that can be included in criminal background checks. All these criminal records searches can help prevent fraudulent activity that could result in the loss of resources, damage to your business’s reputation and a lawsuit. A background check is just one of the tools available to employers to minimize risk, but it’s an important tool nonetheless. When performed properly by a CRA committed to running FCRA-compliant reports, background checks can be a key part of your due diligence as an employer and help you avoid negligent hiring lawsuits.

Legally Required Part of the Hiring Process

Hiring the wrong person for a position can majorly impact your company. It can affect employee morale, customer relations, brand reputation and growth. It could even result in costly legal action if the wrong hire causes harm to people or property. Fortunately, background checks can help you avoid hiring individuals with criminal histories. It may also entail a credit check to verify a potential employee’s identification and financial responsibility. Some searches are limited to the local, state or county court records.

In contrast, others are more comprehensive and can include federal and international records searches as well as sex offender registries, terrorist watch lists, and national criminal databases. Many states and municipalities have “Ban the Box” legislation that forbids employers from inquiring about candidates’ criminal records during job interviews or application processes. These laws allow people with a criminal record to avoid initial prejudice in the application process and give themselves a fair chance at employment.

They Help Prevent Criminal Activity

A criminal background check can help prevent employees who pose a risk to your business or customers. Employees with a history of fraud, embezzlement or violence can create unsafe work environments, putting your staff and clients at risk of harm. In addition, convictions relating to illegal drugs, assault or murder can create workplace safety issues and liability concerns for your company. Criminal background checks can also help prevent gun-related crime. One recent study found that states with comprehensive background check laws, which allow police to deny a gun purchase to anyone convicted of a violent misdemeanor or felony, have lower homicide and suicide rates than those without such laws. However, the effectiveness of these types of policies is still controversial. Some experts believe public education campaigns would be helpful, while others suggest sting operations to target sellers who provide guns to prohibited persons.

A comprehensive background check is a critical part of your hiring process. It may involve searching through criminal records from the federal, state, and local levels, as well as sex offender databases, terrorist watch lists, and other databases. Using a trusted consumer reporting agency can help you ensure you’re conducting these checks in compliance with all federal, state and local laws. Our built-in tools and workflows provide the relevant information to make a fully informed decision.

They Help Prevent Discrimination

Using background checks to discriminate against certain groups of people is against the law. Employers cannot reject a candidate solely based on their criminal record or past convictions and must consider the nature of the offense, how long ago it occurred, and the position for which they are applying.  A criminal check can reveal an applicant’s history of fraud, embezzlement and violence, reducing the risk that they may expose your business to financial loss or put your customers or staff in harm’s way. It can also help to prevent negligent hiring claims by ensuring that the person you hire has not been convicted of crimes related to workplace violence or misconduct.

A criminal check typically includes a multi-jurisdictional “national” and county criminal database search and state records where available. In addition, a credit check can be run to gauge an applicant’s level of financial responsibility. A social media check can also be conducted to see if an employee, volunteer or independent contractor shares inappropriate content on their Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or other accounts that could impact their work ethic or reputation. Background checks may be necessary for volunteers interacting with children or vulnerable adults, government work at ports of entry, and other security-sensitive occupations.