The term "background check" has been making rounds in our society for quite some time now, and it's gained even more popularity lately as more individuals and companies seek to safeguard themselves and their interests. In the US, a background check is a process that involves the screening of an individual's personal, educational, and employment history, among other details. It's safe to say that background checks are an essential process and that they play a crucial role in maintaining the safety of the public.
The primary reason why background checks are crucial is that they help protect public safety. In every society, there's a need to ensure that everyone is safe and secure. Background checks help in achieving this objective by ensuring that individuals who have a criminal past or criminal tendencies are not given positions of power or responsibility that may put others in danger. For instance, if you're looking to employ someone in your company, conducting a background check will help you identify any criminal records they have. Knowing this information can help you avoid potential risks such as theft, violence, or other harmful actions that they might carry out in your company.
Background checks help prevent fraud. Fraud is an umbrella term that covers a wide range of criminal activities. It's no secret that fraudsters are constantly devising new methods to defraud unsuspecting individuals. However, background checks can help greatly in curbing such activities. By conducting a background check, you can ensure that the individual you're dealing with is who they say they are. This is especially crucial when it comes to financial transactions. Many fraudsters use fake identities to carry out their activities, but a background check can easily expose them, thus protecting you from being a victim of fraud.
Another reason why background checks are important is that they help in safeguarding the reputation of individuals, companies, and institutions. In today's digital world, it's easy for information to go viral, and a negative story or report that's linked to an individual or company can have far-reaching effects. Background checks help to ensure that individuals or firms who have a history of fraudulent or unethical behavior are not given positions of influence that may tarnish the reputation of the organization or firm.
One real-life scenario that illustrates the importance of background checks is the case of former US Air Force officer, Heather Wilson. In 2019, Heather Wilson resigned from her position as Secretary of the US Air Force. She was later appointed as President of the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), but controversy soon emerged when it was revealed that she failed to disclose ties to a weapons contractor. Though she denied any wrongdoing, the damage to her reputation had already been done, and it left a stain on the reputation of the university. Had an extensive background check been conducted before her appointment, the negative aftermath could have been avoided.
Background checks are also crucial when it comes to hiring or admitting individuals to certain occupations or institutions. For instance, professions such as healthcare, law, and education require individuals who are not only qualified but also of good character. Background checks can help ensure that such individuals are hired or admitted, thus protecting patients, clients, or students who come into contact with them.
Another instance where background checks are essential is in the housing industry, particularly in property management. Property managers face a significant risk in renting out properties to individuals who have a history of damaging property, defaulting on rent, or even criminal behavior. Carrying out a background check can help identify such high-risk individuals and reduce the chances of any harm coming to the property and the other tenants.
In conclusion, background checks are an essential process that has become increasingly crucial in today's society. Whether it's in the hiring process, financial transactions, admissions decisions, or even in the housing industry, background checks play a critical role in protecting individuals and organizations from potential harm. With the rise in the number of criminal activities, especially in the digital space, it's imperative that everyone takes responsibility for protecting themselves and their interests, and carrying out a background check is a significant step in achieving this.
