Why Are Background Checks Important in Today's Society? How Do They Help Prevent Fraud and Protect Public Safety?
Background checks have become a typical part of the hiring process, with most employers now requiring applicants to undergo some level of investigation into their pasts. However, background checks are also becoming essential for various reasons beyond employment, including housing applications, volunteering, and even graduate school admissions.
The primary purpose of background checks is to provide insight into the person's character and reveal any criminal or unethical behavior. In today's society, background checks are essential because they can prevent fraud and protect public safety. In this article, we'll explore why background checks are indispensable and how they help prevent fraud and protect public safety.
Importance of Background Checks in Society
Background checks are essential because they help organizations make informed decisions regarding the safety and security of their establishments. They serve various purposes, including verifying an applicant's criminal history, credit score, educational qualifications, and employment history. Employers, landlords, and other organizations perform background checks to ensure that the person whom they are considering is honest, reliable, and trustworthy.
Apart from employment, background checks are also crucial when it comes to renting properties or approving rental agreements. Landlords perform background checks to verify the credibility and eligibility of a tenant. Additionally, background checks are required for post-secondary education applications, and some degree programs may even require multiple checks for clinical rotations or internships.
How Background Checks Prevent Fraud
Background checks serve as a preventative measure against fraud. Organizations that require background checks aim to protect themselves from potential fraud or negative outcomes by verifying the applicants' backgrounds before hiring them. Through careful research, these organizations can identify applicants who have a history of theft or fraudulent behavior, preventing any severe financial or legal consequences.
One of the most significant benefits of conducting pre-employment background checks is that it ensures better hiring decisions, which ultimately reduces the risk of fraud. By verifying the applicants' education, employment history, and references, hiring managers can better assess how well the prospective employee will fit in the workplace and perform their job duties.
Moreover, background checks provide companies with a legal shield in case of any legal action. If an employee engages in fraudulent behavior, the company can argue that they had no idea about the individual's past behavior, thus shielding them from significant legal consequences. This also protects the company from negative publicity that may result from having problematic employees.
How Background Checks Protect Public Safety
Background checks also play a critical role in protecting public safety. In certain professions that involve working with vulnerable populations or dangerous chemicals, it is even mandated by law that criminal background checks must take place before employment.
In addition, government agencies perform background checks for people involved in professions where public safety is crucial. Examples of these professions include law enforcement officers, doctors, and even pilots. Consider pilots, for example, when pilots apply to fly for an airline, they must undergo extensive background checks, including a criminal records check, a check of driving history, drug and alcohol tests, and previous employment.
Background checks are even more essential nowadays, especially with the increasing threat of terrorism. These checks help ensure that security officials can identify individuals with a history of radical activities or violence. In places such as airports, and government facilities, for example, personnel would undergo extensive background checks to help ensure the safety of all personnel and visitors.
Conclusion
In summary, background checks have become a fundamental part of our society's values, particularly when it comes to policymaking, hiring, and public safety. Given their ability to promote transparency, background checks serve as an essential tool for organizations that prioritize high ethical standards, safety, and compliance.
Furthermore, they are vital in identifying individuals who have a history of criminal or unethical behavior and preventing such individuals from causing significant harm to themselves, their families, and others. While background checks may not be perfect, they serve as an essential part of society because they help ensure public safety, prevent fraud, and promote trust and confidence in our society's public and private institutions.
