Preventing sex offenders from becoming the ‘Ice Cream Man’
It is always a great idea to conduct a background check on an employee, especially one who is going to work around children, as in the case of an Ice Cream Truck driver. This story indicates that the Bureau of Criminal Identification will conduct a check for $20-$30.00, however, be warned that their database is flawed. Not every county in Ohio reports to BCI. It is recommended that you conduct a residential history of the applicant and contact every county they have resided in to determine any crimes. In addition, you should conduct a nationwide sexual offender search through the Department of Justice.
Lein and her husband bought Neopolis Novelty Ice Cream Inc. from her parents in 2004.
“I do the background checks to preserve my father’s good name. I also wouldn’t want to take a chance with a sex offender around children,” Lein said.
Lein says local ordinances are good but not fool-proof. Ice cream vendors are part-time seasonal employees. Some companies find background checks too costly.
The Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Identification charges between $20 and $30 for criminal background checks.
Lein says there is little stopping unlicensed “Mom and Pop” ice cream sellers from cruising neighborhoods virtually undetected.
Parents should look for a license and health department-certified sticker displayed on the vehicle.
