subject: Why Criminal Background Checks For Employment Are Necessary In Certain Cases [print this page] Why Criminal Background Checks For Employment Are Necessary In Certain Cases
Criminal background checks and pre-screening prior to employment are becoming a major part of the hiring process with many places even requiring employees to now pay for their own background checks. Employers run these checks for several reasons. First, the employer may be liable for any inappropriate activities of its employees while on the job (especially in the childcare/education industry). Also, employers hope to maintain a safe working environment so want to hire responsible, trustworthy people.
During this check, the social security number of the prospective employee, his/her driving history, criminal records, credit records, etc may be verified for any suspicious activity. Background checks can also include verification of previous employers, referrals/recommendations and other related information. The main aim behind this process is to maintain working environment security and also know more about a person's character (by verifying what is stated on the resume).
The reasons for conducting a check can be numerous. Negligent hiring and current events have made employers cautious and alert. The number of child abuse and child abduction cases has risen tremendously. This has forced employers to screen anyone who will be in contact/work with children. Potential job candidates often put false information on their resumes in an attempt to impress the employers and boost their chances of getting the job. This may result in a bad hire/hiring an inappropriate candidate for the job. To avoid such circumstances, a background check can be used. Also, the federal and state laws now require background checks be conducted on employees who will work closely with elderly/senior people or those who want to work for defense companies.
All these are precautionary actions that will help maintain security and harmony. One must know that the employee has the right to refuse to participate in the background check. But if there's such an employee, would you want to hire him/her? Does that mean he/she is hiding something? These are some questions you should consider prior to deciding whether or not to use background checks for employment.
