When you are trying to set an example, it is best to start at the top. This holds true for new policies, branding changes, and especially background checks. If you main guy does not undergo a background check as part of your preemployment screening program, then it is difficult and bad precedent to expect subordinates to submit to background searches before finding employment.
According to WSMV-TV, in Nashville, Tennessee, the new police chief of nearby Lawrence County, was hired without undergoing a background check. Considering the public embarrassment and liability issues many states and public service agencies have faced in the past years, law enforcement included, you would think background checks, especially criminal recvords checks, would be an automatic policy. Unfortunately, this is not the case.
Jesse Barnett, the new Iron City Police Chief, apparently had been forced to resign from one previous job and fired from another. Not the best of track records. As no one conducted a background check before hiring the new police chief, I suppose the city joins the increasingly long list of public service agencies with issues. A simple criminal search, employment verification, and professional reference verification searches would have turned out enough information to give the HR people pause.
As it is, the new police chief will probably be the former police chief, soon enough. The city will be looking for his replacement. Hopefully, they wil conduct the appropriate background checks.
As we say at Corra Group, check them out before you hire.
