Continuous Background Checks
Continuous background screening refers to the ongoing monitoring of an individual’s criminal record and other relevant information after they have been hired for a job. This type of monitoring is becoming increasingly popular among employers, particularly in industries where employee safety and security are a high priority, such as healthcare, finance, and transportation.
Employee’s background monitoring typically involves the use of technology to regularly scan public records, databases, and other sources of information for any new criminal activity or other issues that could impact an individual’s employment status. This can include monitoring for arrests, convictions, driving records, and other relevant information.
OPM Moves Toward Continuous Screening of Federal Workforce
| By Roy MaurerFebruary 23, 2023 |
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is looking to implement an automated process for screening federal employees that takes “advantage of a wider spectrum of data, reduces time-intensive manual processing, and promotes greater mobility of the workforce by providing vetting processes that enable each individual’s vetting status to be continuously up-to-date,” the federal HR agency said. All federal employees would be subject to continuous background screening—the process of monitoring employee records on an ongoing basis to flag post-hire threats or concerns—under a new proposed rule.
The benefits of continuous background checks include:
Enhanced safety and security: By monitoring employees for any new criminal activity, employers can better protect their workplace and customers.
Reduced risk of liability: Employers who are aware of potential criminal activity by employees and take appropriate action can reduce their risk of liability in the event of workplace incidents or lawsuits.
Improved compliance: For industries that are subject to regulatory requirements, continuous background screening can help ensure compliance with industry-specific rules and regulations.
However, it’s important for employers to be mindful of privacy considerations and to comply with applicable laws and regulations when implementing continuous background screening programs. Additionally, employers should clearly communicate their monitoring policies to employees and ensure that their monitoring practices are transparent and fair.