This timely article is 1 of 5 being re-run in light of the Penn State sex scandal!
By
John Sadler, Sadler & Company, Inc.
Part IV – FBI Checks
This is Part IV of a 4 part series about the types of background checks and their importance when using volunteers. An authority in the field of sport insurance, John discusses four types of background checks: 1) sexual offender registry checks, 2) local law enforcement criminal background checks, 3) 3rd party vendor checks, and 4) FBI checks.
Are FBI Fingerprint Checks The Ultimate Solution To Catch Predators With Stolen Identities?
Much attention has been given to the fact that it is possible for a predator to assume the identity and Social Security Number of another person in order to avoid detection.
It is assumed that the non-fingerprint based criminal background vendors will let these predators slip between the cracks and that only FBI 10 Fingerprint Check will detect their true criminal backgrounds. These assumptions are not necessarily true.
First, some of the quality vendors of non-fingerprint based criminal background have checks in place to protect against fabricated or stolen Social Security Numbers. Such vendors can run a social security verification to confirm that the applicant / volunteer is indeed attached to the SSN.
Such a verification will return the names of others who have used that SSN, DOB, age, historical addresses, time span for those addresses, and counties of residence. This verification information can then be compared to the same information that was indicated on the Volunteer Application. Any discrepancies would be a “red flag” for a stolen identity.
Second, while the FBI 10 Fingerprint Check can be an almost foolproof verification of the volunteer’s identity, it has several drawbacks. The major drawback is that the turnaround time on receiving the results can range from 6-12 weeks or more. It is not uncommon for the fingerprint card to be returned for re-fingerprinting due to a smudge. Generally, in addition to the charge for the FBI check, an additional charge is levied by the agency collecting the fingerprint. Also, it could be cumbersome to coordinate the fingerprinting with the schedules of the volunteers. In addition, the FBI database shows arrests only and does not indicate the disposition of the case. Another limitation is that the FBI database only has approximately 60 million records on file.
Summary
There is no one best type of background check that will offer the best results across the board on all criteria. The background check standard for youth sports volunteers that is being developed through most common practices includes: A search for all misdemeanors and felonies in the applicant’s longest most recent county of residence along with a national criminal record and sex offender search.
Naturally, the most accurate and thorough types of background checks tend to be the most expensive. Individual sports organizations will need to weigh their budgetary constraints against what the courts are requiring in terms of “due diligence” when screening volunteers.
John Sadler is president of Sadler & Company, Inc., an insurance agency that specializes in sports and recreation insurance in all 50 states. Sadler has over 25 years of experience and is a licensed attorney, sports insurance expert, and sports risk manager. For more information on sports insurance and sports risk management, visit www.sadlersports.com and click on the links to the blog and risk management reports/forms/videos.
Photo Credit: Jp Corkery