Background checks are common for most businesses that have employees. After all, you want to ensure that applicants are telling the truth and that they won't bring unexpected problems to your company. But should you incorporate fingerprinting in some of your background checks? The answer may be yes. Here's what every employer needs to know.
Why Include Fingerprints in Background Checks?
Background checks are only as good as they are accurate. But when you rely only on limited information — such as names and birthdates — errors can happen. These errors can cause vital data, such as sex offenses, not to show up. Or it could unfairly impugn an applicant's reputation by returning false data. Either way, your business is now at risk of lawsuits and more.
The addition of fingerprinting significantly reduces the chance of errors. You can rely on the results because they match more data points — including the most unique data points, a person's fingerprint.
Who Might Need Advanced Background Checks?
Not every background check must be as thorough as others. You may not worry too much about the backgrounds of clerks or other lower-level positions which have little authority and don't encounter many outsiders.
However, other roles deserve a more careful check. Some of the most common of these are positions that will handle security, those which interact individually with clients or families, and anyone who represents your business in important situations. It may even include volunteers working on special projects.
Why? Security positions have significant levels of access and are trusted with your business's highest assets. You may also need to ensure that anyone who interacts with families doesn't have any child-related criminal backgrounds. And when you hire someone to officially represent you, their bad actions cause serious reputation damage.
How Can You Add Fingerprints to Background Checks?
If fingerprinting background checks could help you provide more security and safety in your business, how do you get them? Look for approved providers which offer Live Scan fingerprinting services in your area. These convenient providers can help you find the right set of checks to fit your needs, complete the fingerprinting, and send your background checks to the Department of Justice.
Getting the information back from governmental agencies is generally quick and simple. Most reports are returned within a few days. And then you can move forward with confidence.
Where Should You Start?
Begin by learning more about modern Live Scan fingerprinting services at a provider in your community. No matter how much or how little you need these services, you can design a protocol that protects yourself, your business, your employees, and your customers. For more information, contact a company like A-1 Fingerprinting and Drug Screening.
