Background checks have quickly become a standard part of the hiring process. From small business owners to large corporations, employers of all sizes are relying on background checks to help make informed hiring decisions. However, the need for background checks goes far beyond the hiring process. In today's society, background checks play a critical role in preventing fraud and protecting public safety.
Fraud is a major problem in our society. In fact, according to the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, fraud costs organizations around the world an estimated 5% of their annual revenue. With such significant losses, it is no wonder that businesses and individuals are turning to background checks to help mitigate this risk.
Background checks can help prevent fraud in a number of ways. For starters, they can reveal whether or not a potential employee has a criminal record. This information can be invaluable, as it can help employers identify individuals who may be more likely to engage in fraudulent activities. Additionally, background checks can help verify the employment history and education credentials of job applicants, which can help prevent the hiring of individuals who may have falsified information on their resumes.
Background checks can also help protect public safety. In many cases, individuals who are involved in criminal activity or have a history of violent behavior are prohibited by law from holding certain positions, such as teaching or working with children. Background checks can help ensure that these individuals are not put in positions where they could potentially harm others.
In recent years, there have been several high-profile cases where background checks have played a critical role in protecting public safety. For example, in 2015, it was discovered that the Charleston church shooter had previously been arrested on drug charges and was subsequently barred from possessing firearms. However, due to a breakdown in the background check system, he was still able to purchase a gun and carry out the tragic mass shooting.
Similarly, in 2018, a man with a history of mental illness was able to purchase a firearm and use it to commit a mass shooting at a Florida high school. While this particular individual had not been convicted of a crime, his history of mental illness was not properly documented, and he was able to pass a background check and purchase a firearm.
These examples highlight the importance of background checks in today's society. By helping to prevent the hiring of individuals with criminal backgrounds or a history of violent behavior, background checks can play a critical role in protecting public safety.
Of course, there are some who argue that background checks are an invasion of privacy or that they unfairly discriminate against certain individuals. While these concerns are valid, it is important to remember that background checks are not meant to be a tool for discrimination or a violation of privacy. Rather, they are a necessary measure to help protect individuals and organizations from potential harm.
That being said, it is important for employers and other organizations to use background checks responsibly. This means understanding the limitations of background checks and ensuring that they are only used when necessary and relevant to the position in question. It also means being transparent with job applicants about the background check process and ensuring that their rights are respected throughout the process.
In conclusion, background checks are a critical part of today's society. By helping to prevent fraud and protect public safety, they play a critical role in ensuring that individuals and organizations are able to operate in a safe and secure environment. While there are certainly concerns associated with background checks, it is important to remember that they are a necessary measure to help prevent harm and protect against potential losses. As such, employers and other organizations should continue to incorporate background checks as part of their standard hiring protocols.
