AST Digital Magazine June 2016 | Page 4

Volume 5 low subjects to challenge the results, unlike name-based checks from consumer reporting agencies (CRAs), which are regulated by federal and state laws that protect job applicants from unfair employment actions. The negative impact is meaningful and widespread. For example, according to the National Employment Law Project, approximately 600,000 job applicants each year are hobbled by incomplete FBI data. Despite these flaws, states and municipalities across the country have recently passed or are currently considering legislation that requires fingerprint background checks for employment in certain industries. These industries include health care, financial services, transportation and education. Fingerprint background checks are popular because they are well known and legislators may not be aware of their limitations and shortcomings, said Angela Preston, SterlingBackcheck’s Senior Vice President and Counsel, Corporate Ethics and Compliance. June 2016 Edition “Fingerprint checks do have value, but it’s important to remember that the source databases are designed for law enforcement, not employment screening,” Preston said. “Employers that use fingerprint checks should do so in conjunction with comprehensive name-based checks, which are specifically designed for employment screening, and are both faster and much more accurate for determining whether applicants have criminal convictions.” Download the full report here: http://info.sterlingbackcheck.com/FBI-WP-PR For more information visit www.sterlingbackcheck. com. 4