Conducting employment background checks is critical in the world of business and there are several things that play a role in this process. While Consumer Reporting Agencies (CRA’s) play a major role in the employment screening process, behind the scenes, local criminal record research providers also play a pivotal role in helping businesses make the right decisions about who they employ, which in turn protects the reputation of the business and its future. When choosing the right criminal research provider to partner with, it is really important to make sure you work with a local area specialist that can help you secure FCRA and state compliant information. Working with a researcher knowledgeable of changes in the law is paramount, which leads us to Prop 20 and how it affects criminal background checks in the state of California.
What is Prop 20?
California Proposition 20, to give it its full name, is a brand new proposed state statute that seeks to add more crimes to the list of violent crimes where parole review is restricted. It seems that Prop 20 is possibly a move to counter the existing Prop 47 and Prop 57 legislation that many feel is not taking a tough enough approach. It also involves the collection of DNA in the case of certain crimes as well. There are two new theft-related crimes that have been added to this proposition, and it is important to know what they are.
- Organized Retail Theft
This is defined as any person or persons committing multiple retail thefts that amount to two or more times in 180 days, and where the total value of the goods stolen exceeds $250. Anyone committing this offence could be charged with organized retail theft at their criminal sentencing.
- Serial Theft
Serial theft is when someone already has two or more past convictions for particular types of theft, such as burglary, and who is found guilty of theft involving property that amounts to in excess of $250.
How it Changes Things
Well, obviously, one of the key things to know about Prop 20 California is that it involves more crimes than before, and this is something background screeners need to be aware of, because this is an example of a fresh misdemeanor that needs to be added to the list. When you are conducting searches and background checks on people, you need to get all the most important information. Anything that you feel the businesses would need to know is information that you are going to have to provide. And so Prop 20 involves crimes you are going to have to flag when you run these checks.
Keeping up to Date
Because it is important to keep up to date with legislation, and any possible changes that play a part in changing legislation, it is equally important to partner with a criminal record research provider that stays up to date on new and changing laws which will directly help keep you updated of all the newest legislation for both the local area(s) and state they service.
Why File Finders?
When evaluating a criminal research partner, you should to go with a trustworthy, experienced, and well established research company that is knowledgeable of local and state criminal laws as well as local court policies and procedures. File Finders is just that company. Established over 25 years ago, we are a seasoned research company that specializes in So-Cal court research. Known to be a trustworthy and knowledgeable researcher in the industry, we conduct extensive research to deliver the comprehensive and detailed information you need. Our commitment to stay apprised of changes and developments to local and state legislation and share that information with our clients makes us a valuable resource. To learn more about File Finders and how we can assist you, please visit our website at www.filefindersinc.com.
