Guide to Philadelphia Background Checks
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In Philadelphia, many employers use background checks as an important step in the hiring process to verify a candidate's history and evaluate their suitability for a position. When conducting background checks in Philadelphia, employers must adhere to a framework of federal, state, and local laws that regulate background screenings. Continue reading to learn more about the background check requirements in Philadelphia, the information that may be reported, and the process for obtaining a background check in Philadelphia.
What is a Philadelphia background check?
A Philadelphia background check searches public records, databases, and other relevant sources to gather information about an individual. This may include criminal records, driving records, education and employment history, and other pertinent information.
This process can be utilized for pre-employment screening, helping employers verify a candidate's qualifications and eligibility for a role. Additionally, background checks are often important for volunteer screenings, supporting due diligence efforts to maintain organizational integrity.
How to get background checks in Philadelphia
For employers
Employers in Philadelphia have the option to conduct background checks independently by accessing court records through Pennsylvania’s Unified Judicial System. Employers may also work with the Philadelphia Bureau of Investigation to run background checks on potential employees.
The information obtained from conducting a criminal background check independently may be less comprehensive compared to that obtained through a consumer reporting agency (CRA), like Checkr. Checkr offers criminal background checks starting at just $29.99, which includes an SSN trace, sex offender registry search, global watchlist records search, and national criminal records search. Checkr can help streamline the background check process, offering expedited and accurate results while supporting compliance.
For individuals
For individuals, state and local databases may provide access to public records for personal background check inquiries, though these may not be as comprehensive as those provided by a CRA, like Checkr. Running a personal background check with Checkr may help make the process simpler and faster and indicate what might show up on an employment background check. This enables individuals to anticipate potential questions or concerns and dispute any errors or inaccuracies on their record.
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The importance of background checks in the city of Philadelphia
Background checks are a helpful step in the hiring process for businesses in Philadelphia, contributing to a safer and more efficient working environment. Here's why background checks are important:
- Protecting the workplace: Background checks may help to identify potential safety risks and prevent incidents that harm employees, customers, or assets.
- Maintaining compliance: Adhering to background screening laws, like those outlined in the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), helps with legal compliance and may protect businesses from legal consequences.
- Enhancing business reputation: By demonstrating a commitment to hiring qualified individuals, businesses may enhance their reputation and attract customers who value integrity and high standards.
- Mitigating risks: Background screenings can identify a history of fraud or theft, reducing the likelihood of hiring individuals who may pose risks to the company’s assets and trustworthiness.
Philadelphia background check laws
Philadelphia employers must comply with federal, state, and local laws when conducting background checks. Consider the following regulations:
- Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) is a federal law that governs how employers order and consider information when performing background checks for hiring purposes.
- Adverse action process requires employers to provide clear explanations for not hiring an individual based on background check results.
- Pennsylvania state laws require that employers adhere to state-specific regulations when hiring individuals.
- Ban the Box laws may prohibit employers from inquiring about an individual’s criminal history until later in the hiring process, like after a conditional offer is made. For example, these laws apply to certain employers in the city and county of Philadelphia.
- Data privacy laws require that employers protect an individual’s sensitive data, which often includes personally identifiable information like names and Social Security numbers.
Get a Philadelphia background check with Checkr
Employment background checks may play a key role in your hiring process. However, understanding and adhering to the specific background check regulations in Philadelphia can be complex, and attempting to handle this on your own might leave your business vulnerable to legal complications.
Choosing Checkr for Philadelphia background checks streamlines the screening process, making it more efficient while helping your business comply with relevant regulations. Our expertise and advanced technology make us a reliable partner for conducting thorough background checks, helping you make more informed hiring decisions. Get started today.
Disclaimer
The resources and information provided here are for educational and informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Always consult your own counsel for up-to-date legal advice and guidance related to your practices, needs, and compliance with applicable laws.
