By Jacqueline McClure
Communications, Genesis Background Screening Services
With the United States having 25% of the world’s prison population, there is an ongoing effort to ease overcrowding, reduce strain on the budget, and eliminate over-punishing for non-violent crimes. To start this process, about 6,000 inmates will be released at the end of October 2015. Historically, this is the most substantial release at one time to reduce the huge prison population that plagues the Federal Prison System.
Prison officials will be working to help these inmates ease back into society, with many going to halfway houses or similar facilities upon release. The main goal will be to help released prisoners make the transition back to being productive citizens and avoid being involved in any new crimes.
But in reality, released prisoners are going to have a difficult time finding housing, obtaining jobs, getting loans or any other of life’s typical challenges. What does that mean for employers, HR staff, and property managers? Many companies will be getting a flood of people applying for jobs or housing without the proper qualifications. After making your way through all the resumes and applications, you now have the additional issue of whether you will consider giving a second chance to someone who has been in prison. Or…wondering if your applicant has been honest on their resume or application about their criminal record.
If you don’t already do background screening on your applicants, now is the perfect time to start. Be sure that you are getting the best employee or tenant and performing due diligence to protect your business, your clients, and your employees. Be sure to use a reputable CRA (Consumer Reporting Agency) to get accurate reports and help with regulations and compliance issues.
Genesis Background Screening can help you with convenient background screening packages for pre-employment and tenant screening. For more information or to get started, you can visit www.genesisbackgroundscreening.com, email getstarted@gbsspro.com, or call 866-944-0041 ext 106
