Private Security Background Checks
Private security employers want to hire qualified, honest applicants who can offer protection. If a security guard commits a crime, the employer is held liable. Whether to protect customers, employees, the business, or money, employers rely on private security background checks to ensure they're hiring the right applicants for the job.
Although security guards are hired to offer protection, hiring a dishonest applicant or one with a criminal record can pose a security threat. Relying on the applicant alone to provide previous criminal records is often not enough, and employers rely on background checks to protect their businesses.
The level of security guard employment background checks depends on job responsibilities. For example, security guards at financial institutions and hazardous waste plants undergo more in-depth security background checks than security guards applying for jobs at bars or clubs. Private security background checks include driving records, criminal records, credit checks, physical exams, and character references.
All private security firms must be familiar with federal, state, and local regulatory requirements regarding security background checks.
Make sure you are hiring the right person for the job with Health Street's drug screening and background check services. Order online today or call (888) 378-2499.
What Background Checks Does Health Street Offer in the Private Security Industry?
Criminal Background Check Packages
Every criminal background check ordered through Health Street always begins with a Social Security Number Trace. From there, you can add specific background checks, choose from one of our most popular packages, or build your own.
Platinum Background Check Package
($175)
Includes Everything in Triple Database Package (above) plus Courthouse Repository (State and/or County level).
ORDER BACKGROUND CHECKUltimate Package
($250)
Includes Everything in Platinum Package (above) plus a 10 panel drug test.
ORDER BACKGROUND CHECKBuild Your Own Package
(prices vary)
Customize your background check package to create the perfect package. Options include criminal database checks, sanctions, resume verifications, and drug tests.
BUILD YOUR OWN PACKAGEResume Verification
(starting at $39)
Background screening services to check a person's job history, degrees, and references.
ORDER RESUME VERIFICATIONDOT Background Check
(starting at $39)
Ensure DOT compliance with Health Street's driver screening services.
ORDER BACKGROUND CHECKPrivate Security Facts and Statistics
Private Security Background Check Laws and Regulations
Prospective employees applying to safety-sensitive positions may require FBI background checks. Other industries may also require FBI background checks, depending on state laws, so employers must familiarize themselves with background check laws in their state. FBI background checks include fingerprinting, criminal records, credit checks, and security clearance.
Forty-one states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico have Public Law 92-544 state statutes related to the employment and licensing of private security guards, some of which cover only armed security guards. Many of these statutes allow security guard employment background checks but do not mandate them.
The Private Security Officer Employment Authorization Act of 2007, an amendment to the Private Security Officer Employment Authorization Act of 2004, allows employees and applicants the right to challenge inaccurate and incomplete criminal history background check results. The law prohibits private security firms from hiring an applicant without obtaining state criminal records and specifies the crimes each state must provide information on to employers. Employers are also protected from liability for "good faith employment determinations" based on criminal record findings.
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) protects the rights of employees and applicants. Employers must provide, in writing, information to the applicant or employee that a background check will be required and obtain written consent. Under the FCRA, the information obtained must be relevant to the job. If an employer decides to take adverse employment action or not hire an applicant based on background check findings, the applicant must be informed. The applicant has the right to dispute any inaccurate or incomplete information on the report.
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) protects applicants from being discriminated against by race, sex, color, religion, origin, disability, age, or pregnancy. The EEOC also protects prospective employees from not getting jobs simply because of criminal histories. However, if the applicant's past conviction is job-related or poses a threat to the company, the employer may take adverse employment action or refuse to hire. Private security employers should establish written guidelines and apply them equally to every applicant and employee, without discrimination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are background checks important for private security?
Background checks deter applicants from excluding or providing false information regarding criminal histories. Employers are liable for crimes committed by employees. Private security background checks ensure the safety of the company, employees, and revenue.
What does a private security background check entail?
Private security background checks depend on the job's level of security. Security background checks include fingerprinting, criminal records, driving records, credit checks, and often reference checks.