NEWS

Parking Enforcement Officer Hired without Criminal Background Check Writes Fake Tickets

Reporters in Prince George’s County, Md. have been investigating the case of a parking enforcement officer who allegedly wrote $2,000 worth of fake tickets.

New Bill Would Give Youth Organizations Access to Federal Background Checks

United States Senator Charles Schumer is introducing a bipartisan bill that is designed to improve youth organizations’ ability to conduct thorough background checks on volunteers and employees who will be working with kids.

Criminal History Providers in Indiana

Manager and Board on the Hook for Poor Hiring Decision Leading to Embezzlement

A civil grand jury has concluded that the poor management and lack of oversight displayed by leaders of the San Mateo County Mosquito and Vector Control District enabled two employees to steal nearly $800,000 from the county by embezzlement.

Missouri Modifies the Employment Disqualification List for Home Care Employees

College in Texas to Delay Implementation of New Background Check Law

This spring, the Texas legislature passed a new law permitting state-funded colleges and universities to conduct criminal background checks on all students wishing to live in on-campus housing. Now, with the fall semester fast approaching, institutions of higher learning are weighing the pros and cons of exercising their newly granted option of conducting these background checks.

Delaware State University Administrator Outed as a Felon

State legislators and other individuals serving as Trustees for Delaware State University were shocked to learn that Freddie A Asinor, the head of the University’s College of Education, Health and Public Policy, is a convicted felon. Now they are urging the University to consider revising the hiring oversight and background check policies that allowed this felon to slip through the cracks and be hired.

School Volunteer Rates Decline in Pinellas County

According to Michelle Roberge, volunteer coordinator for Pinellas County schools, volunteers are the “heart and soul” of a good school. They provide many useful services like chaperoning on field trips and helping kids with homework. Unfortunately, in Pinellas County fewer and fewer parents and community members have been stepping up to volunteer at local schools. Officials are left wondering why that is and what to do about it.

Child Molestation Case Pushes Indiana Lawmakers to Consider Background Checks for Carnival Workers

One concerned parent described working at a traveling carnival as “a pedophile’s dream job.” She may be right, at least in states like Indiana where state law does not require carnival operators to perform any sort of background check on their workers.

Town Requires Background Checks for Volunteer Rescue Personnel

On July 2, a new, stricter background check policy was approved by the town council in Phillipsburg. The policy targets volunteers working for town-sponsored programs or organizations, such as youth sports, programs for the elderly, and fire and rescue operations.

Little League Coaching Decision Raises Questions About Background Check Policy

At least one parent has pulled their child from an Indianapolis Little League team after learning that the team’s coach was involved in a drug bust in July of last year. The coach, Russell Pryor, was taken into custody as part of a sting against his motorcycle club. He later pled guilty to a felony charge related to drug trafficking based on recorded evidence that he had agreed to deliver pills to another club member.

Lack of Time No Excuse for Not Running Background Checks

Matthew A Mazula got hired on as lifeguard at the Fort Edward Community Pool at the last minute, according to supervisor Mitch Suprenant. Because of the time crunch and the lack of any other qualified applicants, no background check was run, and the 24-year-old was on the job for the pool’s opening day of the season.

Personal Ties to Job Applicants May Cloud Judgment When Reviewing Background Check Results

In the past three years, three high-level new hires connected with Richmond, Ga. Chief Administrative Officer Byron Marshall have departed amid controversy.

Substitute Teacher with Criminal Record Charged with New Crime

A recent incident involving the alleged assault and battery of a high school student by a substitute teacher highlights the need for careful interpretation of the results of background checks.

Texas to Require Drug Screening for Unemployment Benefits

Pre-employment screening is standard practice in many fields, but unemployment screening is a relatively new concept.

West Virginia Regulates Health Maintenance Tasks

The West Virginia legislature passed legislation regulating the performance of health maintenance tasks by unlicensed personnel. The new law amends West Virginia Code Sections 16-5O treating the performance of routine “health maintenance tasks” by unlicensed staff in the same way that it previously treated the administration of medication.

Thefts Highlight Need for Background Checks at Elder Care Facilities

Kids aren’t the only people who need to be protected through the use of background checks. Other vulnerable groups, such as the elderly, may also be mistreated by those very individuals entrusted with their care. The risk only increases if background checks are not used to screen out untrustworthy individuals from consideration for positions in which it would be easy for them to take advantage of the seniors under their care.

Town Aims to Improve Background Check Compliance for Youth Sports Coaches and Volunteers

In the town of Phillipsburg, PA, officials are considering changes to their background check laws that will hopefully improve the safety of local kids during youth sports activities and events.

Town Struggles to Craft Cost-Effective Background Check Policy

After accidentally hiring a Level 2 Offender to work in their recreation department, the town of Moreau, NY continues to struggle to implement an effective and affordable background check policy for all new town employees.

New Child Care Provider Background Check Law to Take Effect in Indiana

Starting in July, any Indiana child care facility that receives financial support from the federal government will be required to run a national background check on all new staff and volunteers. Facilities will have an additional year to complete background checks on their existing staff and volunteers.