Recently, we were working on a pre-employment background investigation where the scope of work was limited to a criminal search. When we looked at the criminal history of the applicant, we saw the image on the right. What do you see? The subject has charges and convictions for identity theft and drugs, but what else? I see a pretty decent …
We’re asked all the time if we offer a “nationwide criminal search” or a “multi-state criminal search”. The answer is always “No.” Why not? Because it just doesn’t exist. Let’s talk about courts and criminal records in the US. No national database exists Currently, there is no comprehensive national database for all the criminal records in the US. Yes, the …
At Protus3, we believe that employers should have as much relevant information as possible in order to make the best hiring decisions. We have always prided ourselves on the fact that we report everything we possibly can when conducting pre-employment background investigations. This included everything from felonies all the way down to minor traffic offenses. The FCRA allows us to …
Hiring new employees is a vital component of any successful business. Every company collects some type of background information. From the initial application to the final interview, employers seek to obtain information in order to assess several qualities about a potential hire. Are they competent? Do they have the right skills? Who is the best person for the position? Running …
Dragons. Mermaids. Fairies. The Loch Ness Monster. Bigfoot. Leprechauns. Nationwide criminal searches. All are mythical creatures. We’re asked all the time if we offer a “nationwide criminal search” or a “multi-state criminal search”. The answer is always “No.” Why not? Because it simply doesn’t exist. When you talk about a “nationwide criminal search” or a “multi-state criminal search”, what do …
Employee theft costs companies billions of dollars a year. This poses a very serious threat to profitability if left unchecked. Therefore, every business needs to set up some internal controls to thwart this type of fraud. This article from Hughes Pittman & Gupton, LLP entitled “Guard against Losses from Employee Theft” looks at a few simple steps to take that …
No Second Chances: It’s time for Google to stop condemning former inmates to life sentences. One of our clients sent us this article by Brian Hamilton of Sageworks published in US News. The main question is “Is it fair for someone to be labeled so long after a crime has been committed?…The issue is when people – whether they are …
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. …
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 …
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 …