Fingerprint background checks are often seen as the gold standard for pre-employment screenings, but as these real-life case studies demonstrate, they can sometimes miss crucial information. At SELECTiON.COM®, we believe in going beyond fingerprints to ensure comprehensive background checks that protect your organization and the people it serves. Here are three compelling reasons why relying solely on fingerprint background checks can be risky.
The Disgraced Doctor’s Second Act
In one alarming case, a former doctor who lost his medical license due to child pornography charges attempted to reinvent himself in another state. Despite passing a fingerprint background check, he was able to volunteer for a children’s production of “The Wizard of Oz.” His approval was initially granted because fingerprint databases often do not share information across state lines. However, suspicions were raised when the play director noticed he had no children in the production. His name was brought to SELECTiON.COM®, where a thorough background check uncovered his criminal history, preventing further exploitation of minors.
The Coach with a Hidden Past
Another case involved an individual who was cleared by a fingerprint check and began coaching youth sports. It wasn’t until an anonymous volunteer expressed concerns that his name was submitted to SELECTiON.COM®. Our detailed background check revealed a long list of criminal violations missed by the fingerprint check. This discovery ensured that the individual was removed from his coaching position, protecting the youth under his guidance.
The Fishy Volunteer with a Secret
In a more recent example, an individual volunteered to help at an all-girls school’s fish fry event, specifically wanting to wash dishes alongside teenage girls. Despite his clear fingerprint record, the volunteer coordinator had a gut feeling that something was amiss. When his name was brought to SELECTiON.COM®, our comprehensive background check uncovered his criminal history, which included previous convictions for corruption of minors. This prevented him from exploiting the young girls and potentially adding to his criminal record.
The Importance of Comprehensive Background Checks
These cases highlight the limitations of relying solely on fingerprint background checks. Fingerprint databases can be incomplete and do not always capture out-of-state criminal records. A comprehensive background check, like those provided by SELECTiON.COM®, includes multiple layers of scrutiny, such as checking national databases, cross-referencing with criminal county searches, and digging deeper into an individual’s history.
By incorporating a thorough and detailed background check process, organizations can significantly reduce the risk of overlooking critical information that could endanger the people they aim to protect. These case studies serve as a stark reminder that while fingerprint checks are useful, they should not be the only method used in pre-employment screenings.
At SELECTiON.COM®, we are committed to providing the most comprehensive and reliable background checks to ensure the safety and integrity of your organization. Don’t leave your security to chance; trust us to uncover the information that fingerprints might miss.
Contact us today for more information on our services and how we can help protect your organization.
