EEOC Explores Changes on Employer Use of Criminal Background Investigations

EEOC Explores Changes on Employer Use of Criminal Background Investigations....to further limit employers in the hiring practices...

On July 26 the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) held a hearing to examine the use of arrest and conviction records as a barrier to employment. SHRM’s research on employer use of criminal background checks was cited by one of the panelists as an illustration of how HR professionals grapple with making good hiring decisions while maintaining safety in the workplace.
Against a backdrop of high unemployment, several Commissioners expressed concern that a criminal record may act as an obstacle to employment. The issue is whether an employer’s policy against hiring applicants with a criminal history may result in a disparate impact on protected groups.
With respect to conviction records, the agency requires an employer to show that it considered the nature and gravity of the offense(s); time since conviction and/or completion of a sentence; and the nature of the job held or sought. Acknowledging the complexity of the problem, several Commissioners expressed interest in revising current guidelines to make an employer’s requirements more specific.

This was the latest in a series of meetings the EEOC has held examining barriers to employment, including issues such as credit checks, older workers, and discrimination against the unemployed. Alliance Worldwide Investigative Group can assist with helping to formulate policies concerning preventing EEOC discrimination concerns. Written comments from the public can be filed with the agency until Aug. 10. To learn more about the recent hearing, read testimony, or find out how to submit comments to the EEOC, contact Aliance Worldwide Investigative Group offices today, at sales@allianceinvestigative.com.

New bill introduced would make it illegal for employers to use credit history for background investigation and employment decision

Background Investigations have changed the way employers look at candidates for employment and help with mitigating the potential losses from a negative hiring decision. At the same time through the years more and more employers have increased the level of searches being conducted and also have implemented new procedures to increase scrutiny of candidates.

From Address History/Verifications, Criminal Histories (all levels), References, Employment, Education, Civil Actions, employers have also been using Credit Reports and credit scores when making an employment decision. . As employers have become more selective in their hiring practices, candidates who have failed to secure employment, for a multitude of reasons are now fighting back.

The House Financial Services Committee has a bill pending, titled H.R. 321, with respect to the use of credit reports in background investigations process. This bill would make it illegal for employers to use credit history for employment decisions. This could be problematic for many employers who currently use credit reports as a means for a hiring decision. Some states have already implemented this practice, such as Illinois where it is now illegal to use credit reports as a means for background investigations.

To ensure that you are compliant with the state and federal laws governing background investigations, visit and stay close to the developing changes.

For an assessment of your current practices and recommendations on effective hiring practices, reach out to a representative at Alliance Worldwide Investigative Group Inc. today, at 800-579-2911.

Definition of a thorough background investigation...

Have you ever been tasked with conducting a thorough background investigation but often times face the issue of defining "thorough"? In light of the economy have your parameters for conducting background investigations in ny and throughout the US changed? At Alliance Worldwide Investigative Group, we work with employers of all sizes to help structure a thorough pre-employment investigation process.

Thorough background investigations should be conducted on all levels of employees. Think about the ramifications of a bad hire, the cost associated with one bad hiring decision could cost your organization dearly. Regardless of the position being applied for, there are no positions that exist where a thorough background investigation can be overlooked. All background investigations should begin with a comprehensive SSN Verification with Address History. Once completed, it should following with verifications of identity, as well as name match to the original application/documents. A criminal convictions/complete history should be conducted, on all levels; including but not limited to county, state, and federal level criminal convictions. In some states, such as NY, a comprehensive statewide criminal convictions search encompasses felonies in every county as well as misdemeanors in over 850 reporting towns and villages. Once the criminal convictions research has been completed, additional investigations relative to the position should be conducted.
For more information about how to implement a comprehensive background investigations for your organization, contact us at allianceinvestigative.com href="http://allianceinvestigative.com">

Employers hire investigators to check on sick-time claims

Mario Pecoraro, CEO of Alliance Worldwide Investigative Group Inc. made a guest appearance on the FOX Business Network - Neil Cavuto Program on Wednesday December 29, 2010. The interview consisted of a discussion concerning the use of investigators by employers and what circumstances typically lead to a firm hiring an outside invesigator. Firms typically employ investigators such as Alliance Worldwide Investigative Group at various intervals, both pre and post-hire employment situations. Employers must be vigilant in ensuring that they have made effective and wise decisions in their pre-employment and post-employment hiring practices.

Employers must realize the importance of properly screening employees by conducting thorough background investigations before hires are made, and then ultimately conducting post-hire screenings on a regular basis. This post-hire investigation process is often termed as Infinity Screening.

Alliance Worldwide Investigative Group Inc., performs background investigations and pre-employment screening in NY and throughout the entire US and internationally. In addition, the firm is involved in all forms of corporate and insurance fraud investigations for businesses throughout NY, and the entire US, including Florida, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut and more.

Alliance Worldwide Investigative Group also conducts complete insurance fraud and workers compensation investigations throughout all of NY, as well as claims investigations NJ, claims and surveillance in Tri-State/NY area and more.

For more information or visit

Use of Credit Reports in Background Investigations.... Is it Legal?

Has your organization considered the use of Credit Reports in its Background Investigation Process? If so when was the last time this was re-examined.
prides itself in offering comprehensive, cost-effective services to help organizations reduce its risk by implementing proper background investigation practices.

Alliance Worldwide Investigative Group, Inc. helps employers structure background investigations to ensure compliance and to minimize potential costly litigation. Organizations must be cautious in implementing credit reports as part of the hiring process as it has become questioned in several states and in some cases found to be illegal.

Alliance Worldwide Investigative Group, Inc. works with organizations and industries of all areas including but not limited to Financial/Banking, Credit Unions, Service Organizations, Retail, IT, Staffing, Healthcare/Medical, and More. Alliance can help structure background investigations which include SSN Verification, Criminal Convictions - State, Federal, International, Education Verification, Employment Verifications, Reference Verifications, Social Networking, Post-Hire Compliance, and more.

For more information concerning implementing credit reports or for an expert opinion into your background investigations process visit or contact a representative from Alliance today.

Investigations throughout the US and Overseas??

Insurance Fraud Investigations must be conducted by a firm that offers comprehensive, due-diligence based findings. The findings must be measurable and impact the claim in a significant way. Alliance Worldwide Investigative Group Inc. prides itself in offering the most comprehensive, due-diligence based investigations and surveillance services globally. Licensed, bonded and insured, Alliance offers comprehensive investigations throughout the US and globally.

Have an investigation to conduct in Israel? Alliance can help! Alliance recently scored a significant fraud finding on a claimant in Israel. By implementing some of the best practices in the investigative industry, Alliance was able to conduct ongoing surveillance of this claimant over several days. Significant video evidence was established proving that the claim was fradulent and the payments were suspended.


Alliance Worldwide Investigative Group Inc. recently assisted an insurance carrier with an investigation in Italy as well as Mexico successfully.

If not overseas, Alliance can assist with all forms of claims investigations in the US. Visit www.claimsinvestigationsanywhere.com for more information on our claims investigations and surveillance services not only in NY, NJ, VT, CT, FL but also throughout the US and globally.

Alliance is your premiere source for claims investigations anywhere.

Infinity Screening.... Should your organization consider it?

Infinity Screening is a process whereby employers conduct periodic screening on employees post-hire. Many organizations rely on Alliance Worldwide Investigative Group - www.allianceinvestigative.com as a resource to help implement an infinity screening process. Many employers conduct thorough background investigations prior to engaging an employee however many are just beginning to look at the benefits of post-hire background investigations.

Organizations must consider the reality that employees could potentially face criminal prosecution/conviction post hire and the employers could potentially never know without a post-hire background investigation. A simple infraction could lead to an arrest and later conviction, all of which could occur on an employee's day off, or perhaps a weekend. The employee could return to work and act as "business as usual" however in reality they could have a pending crime that could impact an organization.

Regardless of industry; pharmaceutical, service, manufacturing, retail, automotive, staffing, IT, and more, background investigations are critical not only at the onset/pre-employment but at post-hiring intervals. For more information on implementing a background investigations process visit allianceinvestigative.com for more information.