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Check-M-Out.Com - Investigations & Legal Services.
The Meadowlands Regional
Security Corner.
Mr. Jim Kirkos, President and CEO of the Meadowlands Regional Chamber of
Commerce, presents our new "Meadowlands Security Corner". Thanks to the
assistance of Check-M-Out Security services and investigations LLC.& N.Y. &
N.J. Security Training Academy LLC, Combined with over 120 years of law
enforcement & legal service experience. The Meadowlands Chamber of commerce is
supplying this important information on a Variety of security issues, facing
all of our members today!
EMPLOYEE HIRING, HOW IMPORTANT IS THE PROCESS?
Issues such as theft of trade secrets, merchandise, accounts and more can be of
such impact that the company could be forced out of business. Surely the cost
of a background investigation pales in comparison to such loss.
Accepting the premise of the importance of background investigations, we must
then recognize the importance of a relationship between a human resources
department and the security function. The method of linking the human resources
function with security will depend on the structure of the organization.
Whether you have a security force, a third party contractor or outsource the
investigation to those that specialize in background investigations (method of
choice), the benefit of the relationship cannot be overstated.
The mere examination of a resume or application is not sufficient to determine
the acceptability of the candidate. While it may be tempting to accept a resume
with a solid work history at face value, a company is exposed to both personal
and business liability if a thorough background investigation is not conducted.
The background investigation addresses the issue of "forsee-ability", which is
one of the elements in a "Vicarious Liability" case. The premise is that if a
background investigation is done, then the behavior of the applicant may be
predicable. The failure to conduct such an investigation underlines the
company's disregard for its responsibility to "Due Diligence".
Since 9/11 there is an increasing trend toward legislation that requires
criminal checks and drug testing of security job applicants. In contrast the
business community, for the most part, decides if an applicant is to be
subjected to a background investigation. It also chooses the type of
investigation to be used. It could be cursory or in depth. The choice is
usually made based on the size and type of the business nature of the position.
Cost of course is always a factor. Of note, those companies that fall within,
or are on the fringe of the definition of "Critical Infrastructure" are
mandating background investigations. In government "Request For Proposal"
(RFP), the requirement for background investigation and drug screening has
become the standard.
The question must be asked: what do we really know about the applicant by a
careful review of a resume? The answer lies in the validity of the information
provided by the applicant. The Society of Human Resource Management conducted a
survey in 1988 - "Applicants Stretch the Truth: Survey of Falsified Information
on Resumes and Applicants" -- regarding the validity of information provided in
resumes. The results are as follows:
Falsified Information |
Percentage of
Applicants Falsifying |
Length of
Employment |
53% |
Past
Salaries |
51% |
Criminal
records |
45% |
Former
job titles |
44% |
Former
employers |
35% |
Driving
records |
33% |
Degrees |
30% |
Credit |
24% |
Schools
attended |
24% |
Social
Security Number |
14% |
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If we look at length of
employment (53%), what should come to mind is to question if it is an attempt
to conceal short-term employment, possible incarcerations or some other issue
that would be cause for rejection. Criminal record (45%) speaks for itself.
While some missteps in life may be acceptable, others are not. Whether taken
singularly or collectively, the result of the survey clearly demonstrates the
importance of a background investigation.
The best way to verify an applicant is have a background investigation done
which includes a criminal check, verification of employment history and
references (gaps in employment, job hoping etc.), credit checks (consistent
with the requirements of the Fair Credit Reporting Act), driving record, and
other information that is of interest in evaluating an applicant for
employment.
When considering third-party vendors that will be servicing your business
operations such as a contracted security force, maintenance, and construction
contractors, your agreement should reflect a written verification of background
investigation and drug screening that is consistent with your company's hiring
policy. This becomes an important legal document if an incident takes place
that results in a lawsuit that is caused by a third party contractor.
The hiring of qualified, honest applicants is the fast track to ensuring the
efficient growth of your company and the security of its assets. This is best
accomplished in a committed policy of thorough background investigations of all
new hires. The short-term cost is far outweighed by the long-term benefit.
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