|
employee background checks security checks on the increase
By Fred Appleyard
In the aftermath of 9-11, and the growing problem of workplace violence,
the demand and need for employee background checks and security checks
are now greater than ever. Employers are turning to investigative companies
in greater numbers to run employee background checks on new job applicants
and existing employees, including positions where security may not have
previously been given much consideration in the pre 9-11 era.
Many employers are now requiring security clearances for many non-defense
related high-tech positions including computer programming.
Employee background checks are required by Federal or State law for certain
occupations such as jobs working with children, law enforcement, defense
contractors, and any Federal employment.
Security clearances
Often, in employee background checks, especially where a security clearance
is required, employers may run criminal records checks on the spouse of
a job applicant as well and decide not to hire somebody based on their
spouse's criminal record, even if the applicant has a squeaky clean record.
In a traditional employee background check, only the applicant or employee
is investigated while for a security clearance, the spouse and other family
members are investigated as well. This holds true not just for top secret
job positions within the US Military, or defense contractors, but now
many high-tech civilian jobs such as programming as well.
Unfortunately in some situations, whom one is married to can determine
their employability. A dishonorable discharge from the US Military will
automatically eliminate any chances of getting a security clearance.
In an employee background check, some things cannot be reported: Civil
lawsuits, judgments older than 7 years, paid tax liens and collections
paid after 7 years, bankruptcies older than 10 years. All over information
except for criminal convictions older than 7 years. While employers are
prohibited from requiring applicants to provide copies of their criminal
records, they can obtain this information from other sources such as private
agencies or public records.
Criminal histories or rap sheets are not public record in
every state. In some states such as California, these are only available
to certain employers where employee background checks are required by
State and/or Federal law such as ie: public utilities, child care services,
law enforcement, security companies, defense contractors.
Credit checks
A credit background check is very often part of an employee background
check, however employers are required to obtain the employee's or applicant's
written consent under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, FCRA (15 U.S.C. §1681).
Many employers consider a person's credit habits a good judge of character.
Following any decisions not to hire somebody based on their credit report,
a copy of the report must be provided to the employee, or applicant, so
they may have to option to challenge it. Employers cannot fire a current
employee for filing bankruptcy, but potential employers can legally reject
a job applicant. There are two different kinds of credit checks. A standard
credit bureau report is obtained from any one of the 3 credit bureaus,
Equifax, Experion, or Transunion. This reveals a person's credit worthiness,
credit habits, credit capacity. An investigative consumer report is much
more extensive and delves into a person's character, mode of living, reputation,
etc. This is usually acquired by contacting associates, even neighbors
or friends of the applicant to inquire as to their character.
In today's increasingly security-conscious world, employers feel they
have a responsibility for the welfare and safety of their employees, company
reputation, and liability. Job seekers and employees can expect more employee
background checks, and be placed under the microscope more than ever before. About the Author
beyourowndetective.com - Learn more about private investigation and background checks. Get the latest investigative search tools to help you do your own investigations. Signup to receive free tips on how to become your own net detective.
Article Source: http://www.simplysearch4it.com/article/10758.html
If you wish to add the above article to your website or newsletters then please include the "Article Source: http://www.simplysearch4it.com/article/10758.html" as shown above and make it hyperlinked. |
Some other articles by Fred Appleyard | Searching for classmates People are finding themselves frustrated and unsure where to turn when searching
for old classmates, lost relatives, old friends or other people ...
|
|
| |