PBS News Hour Article

Security Clearance Checks for Federal Government to be Handled by Federal Government

Christine L. Peterson, CPP, ISPBackground Investigation, News

At the moment, this only applies to background investigations involving military and civilian employees and contractors for Defense Department. These security clearance checks represent the largest portion of OPM’s current workload and backlog. As a security company that provides background screening services, we are watching this in the hopes that it will support better automation, accuracy, and resources for all …

law enforcement

When Not to Call the Police

Chuck HurstBackground Investigation, Theft, Embezzlement, and Fraud

I used to be a cop. Served proudly, retired and kicked back, all set to enjoy my pension. Any cop who tells you they have seen it all and done it all would be prone to exaggeration, to put it politely. During my career, I shared a multitude of experiences —- from outright hilarious to downright heartbreaking. While I was …

arrest records

Can You Consider Arrest Records?

Tasha Dyson, CFEBackground Investigation, Compliance

Let’s consider arrest records for a moment. Enforcement Guidance on the Consideration of Arrest and Conviction Records in Employment Decisions Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, 42 U.S.C. § 2000e et seq. published by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is an excellent resource. Much of the information in this section comes from that source. …

background screening report

What Should You Expect in a Background Screening Report?

Tasha Dyson, CFEBackground Investigation

You’ve read the application, reviewed the resume, and interviewed the candidate. She seems like a good fit, and you’ve made a conditional offer of employment that will be based on the results of background screening report. As part of the background check process, you ask the candidate for additional information, including her past criminal history. (Read more about when to …

criminal history question on application

What is “Ban the Box” and What Does it Mean to You?

Tasha Dyson, CFEBackground Investigation, Compliance, News

Here in North Carolina, legislators recently proposed new “Ban the Box” legislation. This legislation would prohibiting state government from asking about a candidate’s criminal history until making a conditional offer of employment (HB 233, HB238, and SB174). “Ban the Box” is already law in other cities, counties, and states, and it is an idea that is gaining in popularity and …

nationwide criminal record searches from one vendor

What’s Missing in Your Nationwide Criminal Search?

Tasha Dyson, CFEBackground Investigation

One of our core services is investigations, and we do a lot of pre-employment background investigations. We are often asked if we can include a “nationwide criminal search”, and we explain that there is no such thing as a public, comprehensive, nationwide criminal record check that searches all courts and jurisdictions. They say, “But I can get one for $19.95 …

WRAL: Security Measures Not Foolproof, Consultant Says

Amanda StricklandBackground Investigation, Crisis Management Planning, News, Security Program Development, Workplace Violence

 Plan. Protect. Prosper. Protus3 specializes in security system design, security consulting, corporate investigations and other investigative services. Partner with Protus3 and we will examine each situation to identify threats and develop solutions for your best outcome. 919-834-8584 or 800-775-8584

bricks

Records Checks – House of Cards or Bricks?

Tasha Dyson, CFEBackground Investigation

For companies that advertise nationwide records checks, are you getting a house of bricks or a house of cards? Do you remember that scene from My Cousin Vinny when Vinny talks about the prosecution’s case, bricks, and playing cards? “The DA’s going to build a case. Building a case is like building a house. Each piece of evidence is just …

criminal search

Matching Records – No Full Names Please

Tasha Dyson, CFEBackground Investigation

We have a client (let’s call them Sub) who is obtaining criminal history information as part of their compliance to another company (let’s call them Prime). Prime states that Sub should “Provide a criminal record check with the applicant’s full legal name.” Sub contracted with RMA to provide that information. When we search, we don’t limit our results to the …