Melissa Sorenson, the executive director of the National Association for Professional Background Screeners (NAPBS), recently wrote an article detailing the importance of background screening firms having access to personal identifiers in public records. In a measure to prevent identity theft, many federal, state, and local public agencies have been considering the removal of essential personal identifiers, such as the date of birth, from court records. The Iowa State Court Administration is one of the agencies that has recently proposed this resolution. The unintended consequences of redacting such information, however, is a limitation of background screeners’ ability to properly obtain critical information essential to timely hiring and leasing decisions.
With many individuals sharing the same name, the person’s full date of birth ensures that the public record is correctly matched to the right individual. The accuracy of a background screening firm’s results relies heavily on the DOB. Without it, our reports would not be the accurate, comprehensive data that clients depend on to make personnel decisions.
Background checks are vital to the safety of residents, employees, and volunteers. Not only that, limiting access to this data would essentially result in employers stuck between a rock and a hard place. Option one would be receiving lengthy reports based on the limited identifiers, containing criminal records that may or may not apply to the applicant. That’s not a great option. Option two would be to exclude information obtained based on limited identifiers, which could result in the hiring of an individual that does have a criminal record. Missing a conviction for a violent offense is a risk that many employers cannot take.
Background screening providers, especially those accredited by the NAPBS, understand the importance of protecting this information and are bound by strict regulations determined by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Our employees are trained in proper use of and protection of potentially identifying information. Melissa Sorenson urges that agencies such as the Iowa State Court Administration seriously weigh the impact this would have for people trying to find work or housing. We will keep an eye on this issue as it continues to unfold.
To read Melissa Sorenson’s article in full, click here.
