Criminal background checks have become a standard practice in many industries. Employers want to ensure their employees are trustworthy and that they do not pose a risk to the company or their customers. While not all industries require a criminal background check, many do. Let’s take a closer look at the types of industries that require a criminal background check and why.
Why are Criminal Background Checks Necessary?
Criminal background checks are typically required in industries where the consequences of a bad hire can be severe. When a job requires regular contact with vulnerable populations, you can bet that some type of criminal history record check will be mandated. In other cases, having access to sensitive information or responsibility for significantly valuable assets will dictate the need for background screening. A criminal background check can provide peace of mind for employers and can help them make informed hiring decisions.
Examples of Industries with Criminal Background Check Requirements
- Healthcare: The healthcare industry requires criminal background checks for most employees. Healthcare professionals have access to sensitive information and are responsible for the safety and well-being of patients, both of which are at risk if the employee is not trustworthy.
- Education: Teachers and other education professionals working in schools have daily responsibility for the safety and education of children. A criminal background check is necessary to ensure education workers don’t pose a knowable risk to vulnerable children.
- Finance: In the finance industry, employees have access to confidential information as well as cash or other fungible assets; the risk – and consequences – of theft or fraud are significant. A criminal background check is necessary to ensure these folks can be trusted.
- Law enforcement: It goes without saying that those who work in law enforcement need to have a clean criminal record.
- Government: Many government jobs require a criminal background check in order to ensure employees don’t pose a risk to national security.
- Childcare: Childcare providers care for children, and a criminal background check is essential for the protection of the kids.
The Bottom Line
Many industries require a criminal background check to ensure their employees are trustworthy and do not pose a risk to the company, its assets, or its customers. That said, every organization can benefit from making criminal background checks part of their hiring process. The safety and well-being of employees and customers makes a background check a sound investment.
