In today's society, background checks are an essential tool that helps to prevent fraud and protect public safety. They are a vital aspect of many fields, including education, healthcare, finance, and law enforcement. These checks allow organizations and individuals to have a better understanding of an individual's past, including their criminal history, education, and work experience.
Background checks are critical as they help to identify potential risks that could affect public safety. By screening an individual's past, a background check can reveal red flags that may arise and indicate that they are unsuitable for a particular role. For instance, by conducting a criminal background check on a potential candidate for the position of a schoolteacher, an organization can identify whether the individual has any history of violence or other criminal activity. This process can help prevent future crimes from occurring, which can harm students and staff.
Background checks are also an important tool in preventing fraud. By screening individuals before giving them positions that require a high level of trust, organizations can reduce the likelihood of fraud occurring. For example, in the finance industry, companies that handle large sums of money would want to screen employees for any past financial crimes to avoid the chances of fraud or embezzlement.
Moreover, conducting background checks provides peace of mind to the individual and the organization. It demonstrates that the organization takes public safety and the protection of its operations seriously. It also allows individuals to know that their place of work is safe and secure, and the necessary measures are in place to ensure that the company operates with integrity and conscientiousness.
It is important to note that not all background checks are the same, and they may vary depending on a person's role. For instance, a pre-employment screening check for someone working in a hospital would need to verify their education and experience in the field while also providing a criminal background check. On the other hand, a background check for a person working in customer service may not need an education verification, while it would still require checking for criminal history records.
Furthermore, background checks must comply with federal and state regulations. Employers must ensure that they follow specific protocols, including getting the job applicant's consent, providing detailed information on their rights before the check process begins, and providing the applicant with a chance to dispute anything that arises. Adhering to these rules ensures that the results are accurate, fair, and do not violate the individual's privacy rights.
Apart from the legal considerations, background checks can also have a significant impact on an applicant's life. It can help people with prior substance abuse, criminal history, or deception to gain a second chance and an opportunity to start anew. Background checks guides and support individuals that had a troubled past, working towards turning their life around and ensuring better decisions for the future.
Real-Life Examples
One of the strongest arguments for background checks is the numerous real-life examples of how they have helped prevent fraud and protected public safety.
A well-known example is the Uber driver background check policy. On many occasions, ride-sharing services have faced safety concerns, including assaults and even murders. After such instances, Uber and other ride-hailing companies have revised their policies to ensure safety. The process includes checking for criminal records, driving violations, and any other violations that may emerge from the candidate's past. By conducting these checks, Uber aims to create a safer ride-hail experience, preventing any instances that may harm drivers or riders.
Another example of how background checks can protect public safety is the 2009 Fort Hood shooting. The shooter was a US Army psychiatrist who had a history of mental instability and noted radicalization. An extensive background check may have revealed the problems, and intervention could have been made beforehand, averting the mass shooting.
Conclusion
Background checks are an indispensable, invaluable tool in today's society. They ensure public safety by preventing fraud and screening out unsuitable candidates for various roles. By checking on an individual's past, they help to identify potential risks that could prove detrimental to the community. Background checks also provide candidates with a chance to make use of their second chances and turn their life around completely. In conclusion, given the right procedures and legal guidelines, background checks put the entire society at ease in terms of its safety.
