This article underscores the importance of hiring a background screening company that will conduct the proper due diligence when executing their searches. In this case, the hiring company, H&M Distributing Co. utilized a service that ran a database check for their criminal records. In this case, the records of another individual were added to the report and the applicant was not hired, and is now suing for damages. Read more…

The issue in this article surrounds the dissemination of arrest and differed adjudication records for teachers. The district and two additional statewide groups want for arrests and non conviction data not available for public viewing. Since this data is not being used for employment purposes, as these educators are already employed and not subject to termination, so the Fair Credit Reporting Act is not in play. This is a matter that may set a precedence for other school districts. Read more…

This legislation that was signed by the governor is exciting news to the background screening industry. In past, the school districts have only been able to run their background checks through the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. Read more…

While Beacon Plumbing & Mechanical, Inc claims that it runs criminal background checks on all of its employees, what they do not state is if they use a database or conduct the proper due diligence by conducting a county search on each of the residential addresses associated with the applicants. It is important to know and understand the difference between running a database search on an applicant, and checking the county courts. A database can contain millions of records of felons, however, this data is often times arbitrary, and it is very limited in county records.

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While it is possible for FBI checks to be inaccurate, its highly unlikely in this case. The common inaccuracies with the FBI check is that it does not have a comprehensive coverage with respect to jurisdictions. The FBI gets its data from law enforcement agencies and state criminal record repositories. These sources only represent about 65% of all records available. The records are often just arrests and do not contain updates on the court case. If the case has been dismissed it is possible they have the right person but the wrong information. The FBI uses a fingerprint to match identity so as for a case of mistaken identity its unlikely in this case.

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I believe that North Dakota is behind the times by not requiring background checks for their employees. While it is not mandatory, I certainly hope that each school district across the state will conduct their due diligence and use background checks as a part of the hiring process.
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In this very interesting article, you find out that in Iowa, you can become a judge without getting a background check conducted on yourself. If you want to work at the local store, a background check is required, but if you want to sit on the bench and judge others, you do not have to submit to a background check. I think that is a flaw in the system that led to possible fraud.

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The US fares badly when it comes to compliance with the law. Statistics have demonstrated that time and again, with recent ones providing further reiteration. It seems that the more our criminal laws are refined, the more they’re put to the live test. Americans sure love a challenge, right or wrong. Fortunately, we have the means to cope. One of the pillars of that strength is our Police, and the public system to go with it.

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The criminal records of some juveniles could become public record under legislation passed by a Senate committee. Jefferson Parish Sheriff Newell Norman said parents and school officials are often at a disadvantage, not knowing the history of juvenile delinquents in their neighborhoods and schools.

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If you are an employer, you want the best employment background check that money can buy, unless your budget does not allow it. As a Human Resource manager, you search the internet for the background check that offers the most coverage, provides the most detail and will still fit within the budget set forth by management. This typically leads you to looking for a “nationwide” criminal background check, because after all, if it is nationwide then it must be the best! Sadly, these checks are far from the best, and in many cases may cause employers to hire an applicant with a record and place their company at a higher risk for lawsuits. Read more…