By Dave Katzenmeyer
President, Genesis Background Screening Services
In recent news, the shooting spree carried out by an individual who was an Uber driver in Kalamazoo, Michigan has everyone reeling from shock. We all want to know how could this possibly happen, what’s wrong with Uber’s hiring practices?
Uber does, in fact, perform background screening on all of their drivers and actually performs a very complete check at that. So why didn’t it prevent this tragedy? In this case, the alleged shooter did not have a criminal history, therefore even the most extensive screening would not have uncovered any indication that this driver was a risk.
Nonetheless, it is the responsibility of all employers to perform a complete check.
The media reported that had Uber “finger print checked”, then the background check would have been a “better” check. This is simply not true. Fingerprint checks also referred to as Live Scans, are not a background check. They are an insufficient check of a database that is not centralized. There exists both separate state DOJ and Federal DOJ managed and maintained fingerprint databases and they all report and archive differently. A fingerprint check doesn’t allow you to see convictions, identity info, address history and other needed information on your job candidate. It doesn’t provide you, the employer, with the comprehensive information you need to make an informed hiring decision or give you the protection from liability.
Your best option is to always perform due diligence by using a professional Consumer Protection Agency (CRA) as your partner. A trained CRA knows how to obtain the correct data from multiple record sources – unlike a Finger Print check. Remember, it is your obligation as a business owner to do whatever is possible to protect your employees and clients. If you would like more information on the shortcomings of Finger Print checks and how to use Best Practices in your hiring, contact Genesis Background Screening Services at 866-944-0041 ext. 101 or email getstarted@gbsspro.com
