While hiring new teachers.  Why do background checks make more sense now more than ever ?

The answer is time and cost create value. The value of diverting an incident is priceless.

What school wants a scandal ? Never mind whether the Teacher is guilty or not. Once the charges are out, the public passes judgment before the accused can even arrange for bail.

Here are some of the affects that take place after the School makes the 6:00pm news.

The Board of Education goes into a “Defense Posture” mode. Criticizes every Administrator and Superintendent possible that might be remotely linked to the event.

The Mayor’s Office and the School District relationship become strained.

Besides any criminal outcome that may be determined by the criminal courts. The civil accusations and cost to defend the Board of Education and its members becomes cost prohibitive.

“Open Season” on schools. Just when you thought the worst was over, a Civil suit comes along. Either linked directly to the teacher accused of a crime or another suit that triggers BIG dollar$ for lawsuits. For instance, In March 2008, Howard County, MD, received a suit by a teenaged student alleging “Extreme emotional distress” for “Sex offenses” and is asking for $3 million to cope with the distress.

The cost of a background check ?  Less than the cost of a new suit for school. The cost of preventing a scandal with the School Board ? Priceless.

The National Association of Independent Schools has some reference to background checks. About 9 articles are written on the subject.

Carl Slicer, editor, www.BestHire.com, Vernon, CT.  Telephone 860-872-0055 or 800-539-0055.

Please don’t forget to ask for our references.

Help, my applicant has a criminal record.

What to do when your applicant has a “HIT” on their profile.  Several times a day, customers run profiles and it produces a criminal record on the applicant. This is a Shock for the customer and runs the gamete of emotions. Before you make a decision to “NOT Hire” this applicant let us consider some facts.

#1) Does you office have a policy on how to proceed in this matter. If you don’t have a policy in place, please consult your Attorney or Human Resources experts.

#2) Social Security Numbers:  An SSN is not a primary identifier. The SSN card has not photograph picture. Therefore an SSN can be wrong for many reasons. Written or copied wrong. Smugged or recited wrong. Perhaps the card is a fake. (See the bottom of this article.)

#3) US Criminal records. Criminal records in the USA are prepared based on primary and secondary identifiers.  Photographs, fingerprints, sex, race, height,  scars, marks are primary identifiers.

Keep a copy of the photo ID with ALL original applications. All applications should be processed with a primary identifier such as a state drivers license or state majority identification card. If your state CAN NOT determine who  the applicant is, you are going to have an even harder time than the state.

#4) Secondary identifications:  Social Security numbers,  tattoos, eye color, weight, non-government ID cards, ethnicity, etc. (Race and ethnicity are not the same.)

In 2003, a Nursing Home customer received an application from a woman applying to be a Nurse’s Aide. Upon processing the background report, it was determined there were 65 different names listed to the Social Security number used. The applicant was an illegal alien and she had purchased the SSN illegally for $500 to attempt to gain work.

#5) Process all employees with the I-9 form. This is required by Federal law to be processed with an I-9 form. All new employees hired after November 6, 1986 must complete the I-9 form.

Last, there are over 12,000 “John Smith’s” listed in the USA white telephone pages. With over 300 million people in the USA we have many people with the same name and same date of birth. Therefore, some criminal records will produce a “HIT” or positive record on the name and date of birth search. But this may or may not be your applicant.

NOTE: The US Federal Government maintains a National Sex Offender registry.    IT DOES NOT search by date of birth but by name only. As of this writing, December 2009, there are 308 matches on “John Smith” and 244 “James Jones” matching by name only.

If you have a question on a criminal record or you believe there is a missing record, call BestHire.com . We will be happy to discuss what your are reviewing and can give you recommendations to make your decisions more meaningful.

Carl Slicer, Editor, www.BestHire.com, Vernon, CT. Tel   860-872-0055 or 800-539-0055.

“Life Sentence” doesn’t mean life sentence anymore.                                              October 26, 2009

According to an article by the Winston-Salem Journal & other sources, the State of  North Carolina will be releasing 20 inmates that were originally sentenced to “Life in Prison” maybe released as early as October 29, 2009. Time off for good behavior.  The North Carolina Supreme Court has affirmed a Court of Appeals ruling setting the inmates free. The 1974-to-1981 legal changes set a life sentence at 80 years and later cut it in half by allowing inmates to earn time off for good behavior. An “80 Years sentence” was reduced down to 40 years. And then time-off for good behavior was another reduction. The North Carolina Governor has ordered the No Carolina Department of Corrections not to release anyone yet but this appears it will be heading for the court system again.  North Carolina The Fair Sentencing Act of 1981 targeted all three issues but failed regarding inmate population. Inmate numbers grew into a crisis in the mid-1980s that led to a prison-building boom, a prison cap and new laws.

The State of Illinois will be reviewing the early release of 1000 prisoners.  With the potential to save $5,000,000 the state must review its options. The IL. Prison Guards Association believes this would be a mistake because the support services after the prisoners are release has been cut back as well.

The State of Colorado inadvertently released a Sex Offender from prison under a new Colorado state effort to reduce funds from the prison system. Gov. Bill Ritter, a former Denver district attorney, has said that no sex offenders, kidnappers or killers would be released under the program, which officials hope will save $19 million as the state deals with a $318 million budget shortfall this year. But the first round of prisoners released Sept. 22-23 included a man, 51-year-old Benn Joe Rael, who was convicted in a child sex-assault case in 1982 but was serving time for nonviolent theft, The Denver Post reported.

We recommend the continued use of background checks and not a reduction of funds in this area.

Carl Slicer, blog editor, www.BestHire.com

 

By Carl Slicer                               October 17, 2009                      

                         Most employers do not believe verifying trade licenses to be of any value.  Let’s take a look at somes fines levied by the State of Conn, Department of Consumer Protection and various trade Boards like electrical, plumbing, HVAC, security alarms etc.  

On September 26, 2006 the State of CT levied the following fines for failure to license or comply with standards.

             … ” David Mathvink – Docket No 06-2031, Engaging in Electrical work without a license, and pulling permits for unlicensed people.

Board Member Reid motioned that the respondent pay Civil Penalties in the amount of Twenty Six Thousand, Five Hundred Dollars ($26,500.) for unethical conduct, and Revocation of his L5 License for Ten (10) counts of Illegal Permit Pulling.”

             

              …” Dean R. Uman – Docket No 06-2021

One Hundred Seventy Four counts of Irregularities to State Regulations.

Board Member Reid motioned that the respondent pay Civil Penalties in the amount of Five Hundred Sixteen Thousand dollars ($516,000,00.), and Restitution in the amount of One Hundred Nine Dollars, and Sixty  Six Cents ($109.66). Board Member Leech 2nd, and the vote carried unanimously.”

                    

On June 8, 2007 the State of Ct levied the following fines for failure to comply with state standards.  

             … “Camsan, Inc. Docket No, 07-186. The Electrical Examining Work Board voted that Camsan, Inc. should pay a Civil Penalty in the amount of Forty Four Thousand, and Five Hundred Dollars ($44,500.00).

b. In the Matter of Thomas Sanseverino, Docket No. 06-2708. The Electrical Examining Work Board voted that Thomas Sanseverino should pay a Civil Penalty in the amount of Forty Four Thousand, and Five Hundred Dollars ($44,500.00).

c. In the Matter of Vincent R. Melia, Docket No. 07-185. The Electrical Examining Work Board voted that Vincent R. Melia should pay a Civil Penalty in the amount of One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00).   

On April 17, 208,  the State of Ct levied the following fines for failure to comply with state standards  

               …”Alan R. Cyr Docket No. 06-959, 06-1236

A Formal Administrative hearing was held on this matter 7/20/06 and the hearing was concluded. The Board decided to issue an Immediate Order of Discontinuance, Civil Penalty in the amount of $17,500.00, Restitution in the amount of $6,500.00 and suspension of Mr. Cyr’s (P-1) Unlimited Contractor license for a period of 90 days.”          

 Would you want these employees working on your mom’s heating system or ground fault for the in ground pool ?  

 

Carl Slicer, blog editor, www.BestHire.com

Credit Reports for employment purposes.

By Carl Slicer, October  10, 2009   

 

In 2009, the State of Connecticut legislature, House Bill 5521, the Labor & Public Employees committee took up a bill to consider “Outlawing” consumer credit reports to be used in hiring people.

I wrote my congressman and asked him to recommend what way he would vote. His answer was he would vote in favor of “Outlawing” the consumer credit reports. When I read his letter, it was mostly from the stand point of the consumer angle.  And the person that had been through tough times with financial debt accumulated over medical services rendered.   I wrote back from the Employer angle as well.          

Credit Reports work very well for all involved.

First the FCRA, Fair Credit Reporting Act, allows easy access for a consumer to correct or comment if there is an error or special comment need to be placed on the report.

Secondly, the report is all encompassing.  If a person were to have 4 credit cards, 2 automobiles, a department store charge card and a gasoline card, that would account for  8 accounts and 24 months of  history remarks. Or 192 facts of how this person’s managed their money for the last two years.

Last are public remarks. If you are sued in civil court,  declare bankruptcy that is approved, owe the IRS back taxes or owe Child support in the last two states you lived in, this is reported.

So the next time you consider handing over the keys to the new store manager or the books to that new CPA you just hired, the employer has the need to know who is minding the store or keeping the back door closed at the loading dock.

PS: The State of Conn Senate did not agree with the House and therefore this bill did not become law.

 

Carl Slicer, blog editor, www.BestHire.com

by Carl Slicer  

Some things just never change. The circumstances change but the intent is to defraud the consumer. One of our customers, I will call them “Staffing Advantage”.

Staffing Advantage had asked our company, BestHire, to process an applicant to work in their laboratory environment where new drugs were being developed.   The applicant, Mr X, had indicated that he was a Medical Doctor (MD) with a background in pharmacological studies. BestHire took to task to verify the basics on Mr X. The college where he acquired his Bachelors’ degree and then the verification of his medical degree.

The Medical Degree was to be verified first as it was the most recent and therefore should be the quicker to be completed. The college was located in west Africa and about due East of Nigeria.  BestHire and the industry verify not just the degree but must also verify the school is legitimate and is a school accepted amongst its peers.

Clue #1. We were having a very hard time verifying this school was accredited anywhere. The main telephone number, located in New York City and an address at UPS Shipping local made the process even more suspect. Upon calling the school, we found the same person answering the phone asking us to call back later when the registrar was in. Next, we found a “Cease & Desist” order with the Attorney General office in the state of Utah. Apparently, Utah was not convinced that the East African School was accredited and Utah did something about it.

Clue #2.  When we obtained a photograph and the main office was located on the 2^nd floor over a hamburger chain restaurant. Needless to say we looked nor further for confirmation.

BestHire denied the verification and the applicant was not hired.

Education needs to be verified properly, quickly and the school must be accredited as well. “Diploma Mills” threaten society as a whole and Besthire believes efforts should be made to shut them down.

 BestHire predicts that by the end of 2010, the US Senate or US House of Congress will take a stand and pass laws to prevent and punish this type of fraud.

For more information, news and trends one can find information at Google news.

Carl Slicer, blog editor, www.BestHire.com

Subtitle: Why do we need so much information, isn’t a name enough ?

In recent years, several states have moved to protect public files. It started when Court Judges began hearing arguments why certain files should be made “SEALED” from public view.  Then the States of North Carolina, New Mexico and Rhode Island made movement to block data on files such as social security numbers and other identifiers. Then the courts went to block “dates of birth” from criminal records.

The National Association of Professional Background Screeners, NAPBS, became involved and contacted the state governments to educate them on necessary factors.

When a person is arrested and processed by police various details are obtained. Name, address, date of birth, photograph, height, weight, sex, race, finger prints, drivers license number, social security number, etc. Some details are mandatory and others are contributory.  Example, the white pages, in the United States, has more than 12,000 listings for “John Smith”. When you contact the people at 411, you give them a name & address to help select the correct telephone number.

I wrote to the North Carolina Court system when a judge attempted to block all “dates of birth” on North Carolina criminal convictions. The North Carolina sex offender registry has 11 “John Smith” and 4 “Charles Jones”. As an employer, how would you determine if your applicant was one of the sex offenders ? There are 188 sex NC offenders that are 35 years old. What good are these facts without sufficient information to make a determination ?   

Aliases are used by criminals to try to hide their identity. In recent years, one of our Nursing home customers ran a social security number, SSN,  and found over 65 different names attached to the SSN. This SSN had been stolen and was being sold to illegal aliens for $500.

There is a legal term that lawyers use. It is called   “Time is of the essence. “  Definition: “A contract term that fixes the time of performance and establishes such time as being critical, so that failure to perform within such time will constitute a default.”.

The courts must recognize that an employer, in his due diligence pursuit to hire an applicant must keep to a time frame or the cost will exceed the income and put the employer out of business.

Does not compute. The credit bureaus will NOT release an employment credit report without all necessary fields being filled. (IE: Name, address, dob & ssn). Some states will NOT release a criminal record without a name, address and dob minimum entered. Some states will NOT release a driving record without the name, address, dob and drivers license number.    

 

Carl Slicer, blog editor, www.BestHire.com

After the employer has ordered various reports on the applicant a process is set into motion. Any criminal conviction must have a disposition. If your report is missing a disposition, contact your provider and obtain this vital piece of information. Maybe the case has not been settled yet. Maybe the case is too old the closing remarks were no longer available. Perhaps there is a warrant for the arrest of the accused for not appearing in court for their trial.

Where or who is the “Identity theft” ? A recent background check was processed with a customer in Virginia. The applicant lived in Virginia. A criminal conviction, uncovered in Georgia, was found. Since this was an index, the customer processed a 2^nd report and the statewide repository confirmed the felony convictions for ID fraud, credit card theft and other larcenies. The applicant contacted BestHire and declared it HE was not the same person that was convicted. We asked for his dispute, in writing, and began the dispute process.

Let’s verify. Since a photo ID would be the quickest way to compare the two individuals involved , BestHire contacted the DeKalb County prosecutor’s office and long story short DeKalb County would not compare photos nor release a photo to us. DeKalb County recommended that BestHire submit fingerprints to have the fingerprints compared.  After three requests to the applicant and his refusal to submit the dispute in writing BestHire advised the applicant that the FCRA process could no longer proceed without his assistance. You be the judge.

This is not the first time that we have had applicants declare the criminal conviction is not them but wont submit to fingerprints to compare.

Carl Slicer, blog editor, www.BestHire.com 

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“August 2009 e-Job Bank: over 50 local jobs”  !

Tolland  County Econony has put out its August 2009 and the news is good for Connecticut employment.

“Dear TV show guests, volunteers and friends:

 

                      I have some very good news.  Our Tolland County Economy e-Job Bank is gaining traction!  As of today, we are aware of over 50 job openings in Tolland County.  Many of the organizations hiring have been on our TV show!

 

Accu-Time, Ellington: senior software engineer 

 

Capstone Builders, Tolland: part-time accountant / bookkeeper

 

CNC Software (Mastercam), Tolland: post processing engineer, technical support staff 

 

Conval, Somers: CNC operator

 

Gerber Technology, Tolland: senior accounts receivable specialist; software engineer, and marketing communications manager

 

Johnson Memorial Hospital, Stafford: administrative assistant, medical affairs; ICU secretary, registrar, nutrition aide, occupational therapist, physical therapist, respiratory therapist, registered nurse, vice president of administration at Evergreen, social worker, mental health worker, diagnostic imaging receptionist 

 

Rockville Bank, South Windsor HQ: controller

 

Rockville General Hospital, Rockville: diet aide, emergency department technician, evening supervisor, licensed practical nurse, medical lab technician, operating room technician, physical therapist, registered nurse

 

ServPro of East Windsor &  Enfield : I realize these franchises are technically outside of “Tolland County,” but with all of the rain this year, business is brisk and they have openings for projects throughout the County  

 

University of Connecticut, Storrs: student union custodian, associate vice president and chief information officer, and many faculty positions in athletics, engineering, computer science, health, education, biology, materials science and pharmaceuticals

 

Woodlake at Tolland: certified nurse aide, laundry assistant, director of admissions, registered nurse 

 

Feel free to forward this email to people who may benefit from this information.  If you or they would like help in finding more information about these openings, please email me at dcrandall@KeepTouch.com .  And remember to let me know of openings at your organization!  This service is free as a community service.  

 

Sincerely,         Drew

 860-871-6500

www.TollandCountyEconomy.com    

(Tolland County Economy & Drew Crandall host a business showcase on the Vernon-Comcast system, Channel 5, at 7:00pm, every Thursday. Business guests are interviewed from the Tolland County area for 30 minutes to bring a local aspect on your community. Courtesy of the Community Voice Channel studio.)

 

 

Carl Slicer, blog editor, www.BestHire.com  

 

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 Sorted by all clearances.

Defense Related Jobs in & near Connecticut

 Jobs within 25 miles of Hartford, CT

July 10, 2009

Date Posted      Job Name   Company Name  Location    07/10/2009   Optical Systems Engineer NORTHROP GRUMMAN East Hartford, Connecticut     07/10/2009   Program Manager NORTHROP GRUMMAN East Hartford, Connecticut     07/09/2009   Mechanical Engineer 3 NORTHROP GRUMMAN East Hartford, Connecticut

 

Sorted by all clearances.

Defense Related

Great Jobs within 25 miles of Stamford, CT

July 10, 2009

Date Posted		Job Name	Company Name	Location
	06/18/2009		BMD Senior Researcher/Engineer	Technology Service Corp.	Trumbull, Connecticut
	07/10/2009		SCA Gen Clerk 2 OnCall BiometricTechn…	NORTHROP GRUMMAN	New Rochelle, New York
	07/10/2009		Pgm Cost Control Analyst 5	NORTHROP GRUMMAN	Bethpage, New York
	07/10/2009		Sr. Materials and Process Engineer	NORTHROP GRUMMAN	Bethpage, New York
	07/10/2009		Mgr Programs 3	NORTHROP GRUMMAN	Bethpage, New York
	07/10/2009		Systems Engineer 5 – Integ. Fire Cont…	NORTHROP GRUMMAN	Bethpage, New York
	07/10/2009		Manufacturing Analyst 3	NORTHROP GRUMMAN	Norwalk, Connecticut
	07/10/2009		Subcontracts Administrator 5	NORTHROP GRUMMAN	Bethpage, New York
	07/10/2009		Pgm Cost Control Analyst 3/4	NORTHROP GRUMMAN	Norwalk, Connecticut
	07/10/2009		Software Engineer	NORTHROP GRUMMAN	Norwalk, Connecticut
	07/09/2009		Manager, New Business Capture	NORTHROP GRUMMAN	Bethpage, New York
	07/09/2009		Engineer Electronics	NORTHROP GRUMMAN	Norwalk, Connecticut
	07/09/2009		Engineer Electronics 1 / 2	NORTHROP GRUMMAN	Norwalk, Connecticut
	07/09/2009		Contract Administrator 3	NORTHROP GRUMMAN	Bethpage, New York
	07/09/2009		Engineer Electronics 3 / 4	NORTHROP GRUMMAN	Norwalk, Connecticut
	07/09/2009		Multi-Disciplined Engineer 3/4	NORTHROP GRUMMAN	Norwalk, Connecticut
	07/09/2009		Logistics Management Analyst 3	NORTHROP GRUMMAN	Bethpage, New York
	07/09/2009		Mgr Program Control 2/3	NORTHROP GRUMMAN	Norwalk, Connecticut
	07/09/2009		Engineer 5 – BAMS Track Management Le…	NORTHROP GRUMMAN	Bethpage, New York
	07/09/2009		Mgr Govt Marketing Sales 3	NORTHROP GRUMMAN	Bethpage, New York
	07/09/2009		Supplier Quality Analyst 4	NORTHROP GRUMMAN	Norwalk, Connecticut
	07/09/2009		Information System Security Officer (…	NORTHROP GRUMMAN	Norwalk, Connecticut
	07/09/2009		Dir Systems Engineering 1	NORTHROP GRUMMAN	Bethpage, New York
	07/09/2009		Subcontracts Administrator 4	NORTHROP GRUMMAN	Bethpage, New York
	07/09/2009		Computer Sys Security Anlyst 2	NORTHROP GRUMMAN	Bethpage, New York
	07/09/2009		Dir Engineering 1-Mission Software,fo…	NORTHROP GRUMMAN	Bethpage, New York
	07/09/2009		Director, Pricing and Estimating (BM&…	NORTHROP GRUMMAN	Bethpage, New York

 

Sorted by all clearances.

Defense Related

Great Jobs within 25 miles of Groton/ New London.

July 10, 2009

Showing 1 to 17 of 17		Advanced Job Search

 

Date Posted      Job Name   Company Name  Location    07/10/2009   SOA Services System Engineer NORTHROP GRUMMAN Middletown, Rhode Island     07/10/2009   SOA Services Systems Architect NORTHROP GRUMMAN Middletown, Rhode Island     07/10/2009   Systems Engineer (Mid-Level) NORTHROP GRUMMAN Middletown, Rhode Island     07/10/2009   Systems Engineer, Sr NORTHROP GRUMMAN Middletown, Rhode Island     07/10/2009   Optical Systems Engineer NORTHROP GRUMMAN East Hartford, Connecticut     07/10/2009   Program Manager NORTHROP GRUMMAN East Hartford, Connecticut     07/10/2009   Systems Engineer NORTHROP GRUMMAN Middletown, Rhode Island     07/09/2009   Engineer Systems Architect 5 NORTHROP GRUMMAN Middletown, Rhode Island     07/09/2009   NITES Next System Engineer NORTHROP GRUMMAN Middletown, Rhode Island     07/09/2009   Mechanical Engineer 3 NORTHROP GRUMMAN East Hartford, Connecticut     07/09/2009   Sr Mgr QA Engineering Raytheon Portsmouth, Rhode Island     07/09/2009   Quality Program Lead Raytheon Portsmouth, Rhode Island     07/09/2009   Senior Technical Planner II Raytheon Portsmouth, Rhode Island     07/09/2009   Sr Principal Reliability Engr Raytheon Portsmouth, Rhode Island     07/09/2009   Principal QA Engineer Raytheon Portsmouth, Rhode Island     07/09/2009   ULLS-A CFT QinetiQ North America Groton, Connecticut     07/09/2009   Dir I Quality – Seapower Capability S… Raytheon Portsmouth, Rhode Island

  

TOP CLEARANCE ONLY

Defense Related Jobs in & near Connecticut

 within Connecticut  July 10, 2009

	Date Posted		Job Name	Company Name	Location
	06/18/2009		BMD Senior Researcher/Engineer	Technology Service Corp.	Trumbull, Connecticut
	07/10/2009		Program Manager	NORTHROP GRUMMAN	East Hartford, Connecticut
	07/10/2009		Manufacturing Analyst 3	NORTHROP GRUMMAN	Norwalk, Connecticut
	07/10/2009		Pgm Cost Control Analyst 3/4	NORTHROP GRUMMAN	Norwalk, Connecticut
	07/10/2009		Software Engineer	NORTHROP GRUMMAN	Norwalk, Connecticut
	07/09/2009		Engineer Electronics	NORTHROP GRUMMAN	Norwalk, Connecticut
	07/09/2009		Engineer Electronics 1 / 2	NORTHROP GRUMMAN	Norwalk, Connecticut
	07/09/2009		Engineer Electronics 3 / 4	NORTHROP GRUMMAN	Norwalk, Connecticut
	07/09/2009		Multi-Disciplined Engineer 3/4	NORTHROP GRUMMAN	Norwalk, Connecticut
	07/09/2009		Mgr Program Control 2/3	NORTHROP GRUMMAN	Norwalk, Connecticut
	07/09/2009		Mechanical Engineer 3	NORTHROP GRUMMAN	East Hartford, Connecticut
	07/09/2009		Supplier Quality Analyst 4	NORTHROP GRUMMAN	Norwalk, Connecticut
	07/09/2009		Information System Security Officer (…	NORTHROP GRUMMAN	Norwalk, Connecticut
	07/09/2009		ULLS-A CFT	QinetiQ North America	Groton, Connecticut

 

BestHire provides background checks for employers. If you don’t work, we don’t work.

This is a courtesy only & we made no warranty on accuracy.

 Carl Slicer, blog editor, www.BestHire.com, Vernon, Conn.

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