Common Human Resources Questions About Employment Screening

Each year, workers are threatened with or experience violence in the workplace. These crimes range from robbery to physical assault and homicide. According to a News Release from the Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS), in 2014, 749 people received fatal work injuries due to violence and other injuries caused by people and animals; furthermore, of the fatal occupational injuries caused by a major event in 2014, homicides total 9 percent. While it is true that workers in certain occupations are at a higher risk of experiencing workplace violence, the reality is that violent acts can happen anytime and anywhere; therefore, no business is immune. One of the most effective ways to prevent workplace violence caused by an employee is to routinely run employment screening background checks on current and potential employees.

3 Common Human Resources Questions HR Personnel Ask About Employment Screening

1. Is there a criminal database that houses all criminal convictions within the United States?

Although this is one the most common Human Resources questions, unfortunately, there is not a criminal database that houses all the criminal convictions that occur in the U.S. In fact, there are more than 3,100 individual counties that are responsible for public records throughout the nation: Roughly 30 percent of these counties do not currently have a digital criminal records system. For the 30 percent of counties that do not have digital capability, an individual must personally visit the county courthouse to attain a copy of the paper record. Furthermore, each court follows its own timeline and process when providing records to be filed. Complicating matters even further, there are 11 Federal districts where criminal data may be stored: Each of these 11 districts also has multiple courts. Therefore, obtaining accurate criminal background information is a complex and cumbersome process, even for professionals.

2. What does an employment screening background check entail?

An employment screening background check varies based on a company’s needs, the requirements of a specific position, the requirements of the industry or industries that the company is in, and the policies of the Human Resources department. An employment screening provider can help answer specific Human Resources questions related to the components of a background check.

Widely used employment screening services include:

• National criminal database search and sex offender screening
• County criminal background screening
• Federal criminal background screening
• Government watch list screening
• Employment verifications
• Education verifications
• Professional reference verifications
• Professional license verifications
• Driving records screening

3. How long does it take to perform an employment screening background check?

Criminal background screening turnaround times vary by state and county. Verifications typically take 1-3 days to complete and are based on the personal background history of the individual being screened. A driving record history varies by state from which the information is being obtained.

These are some of the most common Human Resources questions. For other frequently asked questions related to Human Resources and employment screening, please visit: Employment Screening Questions

Disclaimer Statement: All information presented is for information purposes only and is not intended to provide professional or legal advice regarding actions to take in any situation.