Tag Archives: Employee Screening

Federal Security Clearances

House Oversight Investigation On February 11, Rep. Darrell Issa's House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform published a staff report entitled, "Slipping Through the Cracks: How the D.C. Navy Yard Shooting Exposes Flaws in the Federal Security Clearance Process."  In the report, the Committee reviews findings and recommendations from its investigation of the clearance review process conducted following the September 16, 2013, shooting by a security clearance holder at the Washington, D.C., Navy Yard.  The Committee identifies five potential legislative improvements to the clearance review process:
  • Continuous evaluation of the clearance holder;
  • Incorporating Internet and social media sources into the review;
  • Strengthening communication between adjudicators and investigators;
  • Increasing mental health evaluations; and
  • Increasing cooperation from state and local law enforcement.
The report's release coincided with a Committee hearing on the topic, officially...

How Much Do You Know About Your Vendors & Contractors

Construction fraud and unlicensed contractors can put you, your business, and your home Agentin physical and financial danger.  Under most state Statutes and local ordinances, contractors performing construction related work must be licensed. Also, most construction, electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system work requires approval and permits from the local county Building Services.  Typically, work that does not require a permit is typically cosmetic, such as: painting; installing or replacing floor coverings including carpet, vinyl, tile and wood; shelving; cabinet work and wallpapering. Although a permit is not necessary for painting and tile installation, a licensed contractor is required when you hire someone to perform this type of work. Unlicensed contractors are likely to also be uninsured. Consequently this puts...

Have You Ever Been Convicted?

Currently there is a growing national movement to remove the question "Have you ever been convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor?" from job applications. Otherwise known as the "Ban the Box" movement. In most states employers are permitted to ask about or consider arrests that did not lead to conviction. However, the Ban the Box” movement that is happening across the country, calls for employers to wait until a prospective employee is being interviewed or has a provisional job offer before inquiring whether he or she has a criminal past. The aim here is that ex-offenders will have a better chance at getting a job if they’re not eliminated at the very beginning of their job search. According to...