Why are background checks important in today's society?
Background checks are an essential part of modern society, providing a valuable tool for employers, landlords, and even individuals looking to make informed decisions about their personal and professional lives. With a growing need for safety and security in our everyday lives, the importance of background checks can not be overstated.
In this article, we will explore why background checks are essential in today's society, looking at the real-world examples, laws, and benefits that come with conducting these checks.
What is a background check?
A background check is a process of gathering information about an individual, including their employment history, education, and criminal record. This information is then used to make informed decisions about the person in question, from the perspective of both employers and individuals.
There are different types of background checks, including employment history checks, criminal record checks, and even credit checks. Employers often require these checks as part of their hiring process, while landlords may conduct background checks before renting out a property.
Why are background checks important?
1. Protecting businesses and employees
Background checks are essential for businesses, protecting both employers and employees from potential risks. For example, a company may require background checks before hiring new employees to ensure they don't have a history of violence or criminal behavior.
2. Maintaining safety in society
Background checks are also an essential aspect of public safety. They help to identify individuals who may pose a threat to others and prevent them from taking away the rights and freedoms of others. For example, background checks are required before purchasing firearms, as a way of preventing guns from getting into the hands of criminals or people who have a history of violent behavior.
3. Ensuring trustworthiness
Background checks help to ensure trustworthiness in society. When people conduct themselves in a professional and ethical manner in their personal and professional lives, they establish a reputation for reliability and integrity. This helps to build trust between individuals, businesses, and the community, playing a vital role in maintaining healthy relationships.
4. Adhering to laws and regulations
Background checks are required by law in certain situations, such as when applying for a government job or obtaining a professional license. These checks help to ensure that individuals are legally qualified to hold certain positions or practice certain professions, contributing to the integrity and trustworthiness of the industry as a whole.
Real-life examples
The importance of background checks can be seen in real-life examples, such as the case of the Uber driver who was accused of sexually assaulting a passenger in 2016. The driver, who had a history of violence and had previously been charged with assault, had been approved to drive for Uber without undergoing a proper background check.
Following this incident, Uber has since implemented more rigorous background checks for its drivers, including criminal record checks at the local and national levels. This has helped to improve the safety of passengers and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Another example is the case of the mass shooting at a Texas church in 2017. The gunman, who had a history of violent behavior, had been convicted of domestic assault in the military court and discharged from service. However, this information was not reported to the FBI, and as a result, the gunman was able to purchase firearms legally.
Following this tragedy, the government has implemented measures to improve the reporting of criminal records, ensuring that individuals with violent histories are prevented from purchasing firearms and creating further harm.
Benefits of background checks
1. Improved safety
As mentioned earlier, background checks help to improve public safety by preventing violent or malicious individuals from acquiring firearms or other dangerous weapons. This contributes to the well-being of the community and ensures that everyone can live and work in a secure environment.
2. Better hiring decisions
Background checks help employers to make better hiring decisions, reducing the risk of recruiting people with violent or unethical histories. This can save the company money in the long run by preventing costly lawsuits or damage to the company's reputation.
3. Maintaining trust
Background checks help to maintain trust between individuals, businesses, and the community. By establishing trustworthiness in personal and professional behavior, individuals can build strong relationships based on honesty and integrity.
Conclusion
In today's society, where safety and security are critical concerns, background checks play an essential role in ensuring that individuals are trustworthy and safe to work with. From employment opportunities to renting out properties, background checks provide valuable information that helps individuals and companies make informed decisions and maintain a healthy and trustworthy relationship with each other. Ultimately, this helps to maintain the integrity of society as a whole and creates a safer and more secure environment for everyone.
