Fingerprinting for Employment Background Checks

Employment background checks have become a norm in today’s employment world. Employers now consider background checks when hiring their employees. 

However, of all the elements that can be included in a background check, fingerprinting emerges as the most crucial one, especially where a candidate is likely to come into contact with sensitive information, the elderly, children, or someone present with a security clearance. 

This article will discuss the role of fingerprinting, particularly in employment background checks, including its significance, procedures, and implications for both employers and employees. 

The Importance of Fingerprinting in Background Checks

Fingerprinting adds a layer of certainty to background checks that other methods can't match. Here's why it's so valuable:

Unique Identification: No two individuals have the same fingerprints, thereby making them a unique means of identification.

Comprehensive Criminal History: Criminal records can be detected by fingerprints, and the applicant does not necessarily have to give information about all the areas where he/she has been arrested.

Fraud Prevention: It's much harder to fake fingerprints than to fabricate other forms of identification.

Ongoing Monitoring: Some of the systems that are developed can be monitored in real-time and can alert the employers to the new criminal activities.

Legal Compliance: Many industries require fingerprint-based background checks to comply with regulations.

Industries That Commonly Require Fingerprinting

While not all jobs require fingerprinting, it is common in several sectors:

• Education and Childcare
• Healthcare
• Finance and Banking
• Law Enforcement and Security
• Government Positions
• Transportation (especially in aviation)
• Casino and Gaming Industry

The Fingerprinting Process for Employment

Here are a few steps that are generally followed during the fingerprinting process for employment background checks.

Employer Request: The potential employer informs the candidate that a fingerprint-based background check is required.

Consent: The candidate must provide written consent for the fingerprinting and background check.

Fingerprint Capture: The candidate visits a fingerprinting facility where their prints are taken. This can be done through:

• Ink-and-roll method (traditional)
• Live Scan (digital fingerprinting)

Submission to Authorities: The fingerprints are submitted to the appropriate law enforcement agencies (e.g., FBI, state police).

Database Check: The prints are cross-referenced with criminal databases.

Results: A report is generated and sent back to the employer or requesting agency.

Digital vs. Traditional Fingerprinting

While ink-and-roll fingerprinting has been used for decades, digital fingerprinting (or live scanning) is becoming increasingly popular due to several advantages:

Speed: Results can be available much faster, sometimes within 24-72 hours.

Accuracy: Digital prints are typically clearer and less prone to smudging.

Convenience: Many find the process cleaner and easier than ink fingerprinting.

Efficiency: Digital prints can be easily transmitted to multiple agencies if needed.

Legal Considerations

Before conducting any fingerprinting check, it is mandatory for both employers and candidates to be aware of the legal aspects of fingerprinting for employment, like:

Consent: Employers must obtain written consent of the applicants before conducting a fingerprint-based background check.

Unbiased Checks: If fingerprinting is required, it should be conducted on all the candidates for a particular position.

Privacy Laws: Employers must follow the privacy laws related to the collection, use, and storage of fingerprint data.

Adverse Action Procedures: If a candidate is denied employment based on the results of a fingerprint check, the employer must follow proper adverse action procedures.

Challenges and Concerns

While fingerprinting is a powerful tool for background checks, it's not without challenges.

False Positives: In rare cases, fingerprints may be incorrectly matched to criminal records.

Privacy Concerns: Some individuals worry about the storage and potential misuse of their biometric data.

Time and Cost: Fingerprint-based checks can be more time-consuming and expensive than other types of background checks.

Limited Information: Fingerprints only reveal criminal history, not other potentially relevant information like credit history or education verification.

The Role of Professional Fingerprinting Services

Despite the importance of fingerprinting for employment background checks, there might be several complexities involved.

Hence, many organizations turn to professional services to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and compliance. This is where companies like RealScan Biometrics play a crucial role.

RealScan Biometrics offers state-of-the-art fingerprinting services customized for employment background checks. Here's how we can assist both employers and job seekers:

Cutting-Edge Technology: We use the latest Live Scan technology for quick and accurate digital fingerprinting.

Trained Experts: Our staff is expertly trained in proper manual and digital fingerprinting techniques, ensuring high-quality prints every time.

Convenient Locations: With multiple locations, we make it easy for candidates to complete their fingerprinting requirement.

Fast Turnaround: Our efficient process helps speed up the background check timeline.

Compliance Expertise: We stay up to date with all relevant regulations to ensure your fingerprinting process is fully compliant.

Comprehensive Services: Beyond fingerprinting, we can assist with other aspects of background checks and identity verification.

User-Friendly Experience: We strive to make the process as smooth as possible for both employers and candidates.

Conclusion

Fingerprinting for employment background checks is a powerful tool that provides a high level of certainty in verifying identities and criminal histories. 

While it comes with its own set of challenges and considerations, when done correctly, it can significantly enhance the hiring process and workplace security.

For both employers and job seekers, partnering with a professional service provider like RealScan Biometrics can make all the difference. 

We combine technological expertise with a deep understanding of legal requirements and a commitment to customer service, ensuring that your fingerprinting experience is efficient, accurate, and compliant.

In an era where identity verification and security are crucial, fingerprinting continues to play a vital role in employment background checks.

By understanding the process and the importance of professional services, organizations can make informed hiring decisions, while individuals can approach the process with confidence.