What does this mean from a background screening perspective?

There are two key details to make note of:

The first major change is that the New York Office of Court Administration (OCA) fees have increased pretty dramatically. The fees for running a New York OCA criminal record search (a.k.a. a statewide search) will increase from $65 to $95.

Any organizations performing this search in New York should account for this rather sizable increase to search fees and adjust accordingly. We wanted to help make sure that our clients were made aware of this impending change as soon as possible. As outlined in the legislation, the intent behind raising the fee is to help increase contributions into the state’s indigent legal services fund. The entirety of the additional $30 will be put towards this defense fund.

The second change is that undisposed cases will no longer be included in criminal history record searches through the NY OCA. Undisposed cases are cases where criminal charges against an individual occurred, but there is no record of a conviction, imposition of any sentence or penalty, or unexecuted warrant of arrest (see full definition here). However, this new provision dealing with unresolved cases will not be implemented for another year.

If you perform background checks in New York and have any questions about how these new changes might affect your current situation, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Give us a call at 888-919-8378 or email us at backgrounds@blueline-services.com.

The post New York To Drastically Increase OCA Search Fees appeared first on Blueline.

Their executive summary stated, “In an increasingly global economy, employers are rightfully placing a premium on the safety of employees and the community. Employers continue to utilize professional background checks at a near universal rate.”

Results from their survey showed that 95 percent of employers perform one or more types of employment background screening. The majority also stated that they screen both part-time and full-time employees, with 86 percent saying they screen all full-time employees and 68 percent including part-time employees in their screening process.

The five most important reasons to background screen according to this year’s survey included:

• Public safety, including protection of “employees, customers, and others”: listed by 86 percent of employers
• Improving quality of hires was listed by 52 percent
• Law/regulation requirements: 39 percent
• Protecting company reputation: 38 percent
• Prevent and/or reduce theft, embezzlement and other criminal activity: 36 percent

Human resource professionals confirmed again in this year’s survey that accuracy in background screening is “very important” (98 percent). The most significant challenges in employment screening also echoed last year’s survey results with “length of time to get results” and “cost of screening” being listed as the biggest challenges for professionals in regards to screening.

Accuracy, turn-around time, and cost are all very important factors when deciding on a screening provider. Make sure that your provider fits with your company’s needs.

Blueline Services offers some of the most comprehensive and customizable screening packages available. We ensure that results will have the quickest turnaround time possible with affordable prices.

To see if we can help you with your screening needs, call us at 888-919-8378 to get a quote.

The post NAPBS Survey Reveals Why 95 Percent of Employers Background Check Employees appeared first on Blueline.