Background checks are a necessary part of hiring employees in the modern world. But there is no sense in conducting background checks as your preemployment screening practices, if you are not going to get them back in a timely fashion or review them once you do have them returned.
These two factors have plagued a fair number of states, cities and the consequent municipal services that have conducted background searches as part of their preemployment screening programs. I have reported a few, but there are far too many occurrences of neglect and lack of oversight to report them all. Job candidates are hired who shouldn’t be. Only when there is a scandal is their true criminal history or sexual offender’s history revealed to a startled a disappointed constituency.
The Saint Cloud Times has reported that local Minnesota school boards are looking for fast background checks. The need was perceived after a local school dismissed the boys’ soccer coach, after it was revealed he had a history of violent behavior.
To date the city has used a local background checking service. The timing has been such that many teachers and school board employees are hired before their background checks are finally returned. Only then can their past indiscretions be covered.
As we say, check them out before you hire. But do it in a timely fashion.
