Be sure to keep any records relating to background checks. That should include authorizations signed by all applicants. Often, there are documents that must be shared with the applicant following the review. Those records may be critical if a background check leads to legal challenges by an applicant.
Maintaining a drug-free ca
mpus is in everyone’s interest. So consider conducting drug testing during the application period and then on a random basis during employment or volunteering. Again, be sure to research and follow any applicable laws pertaining to drug testing.
Complete the entire background check/testing process before allowing an employee or volunteer access to students. To do otherwise invites potential liability issues.
Is the Process Overkill?
If they want a job, applicants for employment will have no choice but to accept these new requirements. But there have been arguments that the increasingly complex process and costs may drive away some highly qualified and needed volunteers.
However, with so much at stake – the physical and emotional well being of our children – schools no longer have a choice but to do all they can to protect their students. Background checks should be incorporated into policies at public, private and charter schools and even at daycare centers.
There is no guarantee that a well-written and conducted background check program will catch all problem employees, vendors or volunteers. Some incidents will come from first-time offenders with no previous criminal history. But the process will catch many potential problems, protecting students and reducing risk in the process.
Additionally, the cost of broad-based checks of databases and continuous monitoring – completed by experienced, reputable professionals – is bringing the process within financial reach of more schools. In some districts, the funding of volunteer background checks has become a service project for the PTA/PTO.
When completing a risk assessment or making changes to a campus security plan, it’s vital that administrators include thorough and ongoing background checks as an important layer of protection for students.
Patrick V. Fiel Sr. founded PVF Security Consulting LLC after more than 35 years managing security and law enforcement organizations. Based in Wilmington, N.C., he is a nationally recognized expert in campus security. For more information, visit pvfsecurity.com.
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