As society continues to evolve, it is crucial to ensure public safety in all aspects of life - whether it be in workplaces, schools, or communities. One essential tool in keeping people safe is through background checks. These checks help prevent fraud and protect public safety in various ways, ultimately making a difference in our collective well-being.
What is a background check?
Firstly, let's define what a background check is. It is a process that checks and verifies a person's history, including their education, employment, criminal records, credit history, and more. The process can vary, depending on the type of background check being performed, but ultimately assures the employer or organization that they are hiring a reliable and trustworthy individual.
Why are background checks important in today’s society?
Background checks have become increasingly popular over the years. In today's society, people can fabricate information to gain employment or volunteer in organizations that they otherwise might not have passed the normal interview procedures. Background checks assist businesses or organizations to determine which candidates are qualified, trustworthy, and suited for specific roles.
Prevention of Fraud
With a thorough background check, companies can determine if the job applications submitted are accurate or not. One study showed that 34% of resumes submitted had false educational claims while 41% of applications contained at least one falsification. In some cases, this can mean applicants claiming that they obtained degrees from universities that do not exist. With verified background checks, potential employers can prevent fraud.
Protection of Public Safety
Background checks are especially important in fields such as healthcare and education. These professions often work with vulnerable individuals, such as children or elderly adults. Employers must take precautionary measures to ensure that their staff does not have criminal convictions or a history of abuse that might make them unsuitable. This verification is critical, as it prevents individuals with criminal or abusive patterns from being hired and avoids putting vulnerable populations at risk.
In some cases, previous employees have exhibited abusive behaviors, which may have resulted in lawsuits or charges of misconduct. One high-profile example of this was the scandal uncovered in the Catholic Church, where numerous individuals accused priests of sexual abuse. This led to significant losses for the church through court cases and payments for damages. Such incidents could have been avoided through regular background checks and monitoring individual behaviors.
Protection of Business Reputation
It's not just about keeping the business or organization safe - it's also about protecting the business's reputation. In some situations, employees might use their positions to exploit or evade certain rules, leading to negative publicity and potential lawsuits. The resultant damages can cost the business greatly, damage its reputation, and lead to a loss of revenue. Background checks help to filter out individuals who may be unsuitable for the job, reducing the likelihood of such incidents.
Employers also need to be mindful of their social responsibilities. Should another employee be affected by another worker's misconduct, the company risks facing legal consequences for not exercising due diligence in hiring. By ensuring its employees do not have a track record of abusive behavior or a history of criminal activity, the business can avoid having to deal with the fallout from negligence.
Conclusion
In conclusion, background checks are important for public safety and preventing fraud in workplaces and communities. When companies exercise due diligence in employing staff, there’s an assurance that they are hiring trustworthy individuals. Background checks protect a business’s reputation, its clients, and employees, as well as minimizes the risks that might arise due to a lack of due diligence. Ultimately, individuals, society, and businesses can benefit when employers exercise due diligence in conducting background checks.
