How Do California Background Checks Help People?

Fingerprints are captured for use in background checks.

Fingerprint background checks are required by law in the state of California as a condition for employment in some fields, including working with children, the disabled or elderly. This protective measure is used to reduce the likelihood of abuse.

Live Scan

Live Scan is the process by which fingerprints are digitally captured and compared to the Department of Justice or FBI database. The digital images can be transmitted immediately after they are captured, and processing can occur in as little as 72 hours.

Benefits

A fingerprint background check allows employers to reduce the risk of hiring individuals with a criminal history. While most employers do not require background checks, some employers must do so by law. For example, individuals who want to work with children or disabled adults must be determined to be of a good overall moral character. This determination is made, in part, by the criminal background check.

Protection

Criminal background checks protect at-risk groups like children and the disabled by weeding out individuals who have perpetrated crimes against members of those groups in the past or who have otherwise unsavory criminal histories. Background checks offer a measure of protection against abuse or exploitation.

References

• State of California Department of Justice: Background Checks