Before Hiring check those Arrest Records

I spent a few hours on the internet, seeing if I could get the arrest records of a model employee of mine who had just been arrested at my office. I recently hired him and I wanted to see if this incident could have been prevented. I was absolutely amazed at not just the amount of sites that promise to give detailed arrest records, but will do a background check and give out personal information to anyone who decides to pay their small fees. I didn't pay any of these fees and I am not sure why I should have to. Arrest records should be made public knowledge for free. If someone has arrest records, than maybe they should loose the right to some of their privacy. That is my opinion and that is how I see it.

I didn't bother to do any more research. I planned on changing my hiring policy. If you are in a hiring positions, just as I am, you might want to take a few moments and research a potential employee's arrest records and background. It may save you from getting an early morning shock as I had received. Here's my story exactly as it took place. 

I hired a new employee a short time ago and didn't bother to do a background check. I had hired him on the recommendation of another employee of mine and made the mistake of assuming that he would be an upstanding citizen. When it came to work ethics, he was outstanding. He was never a second late or never called in. As a matter of fact, he was harder working than some of my veteran employees. On one early morning, 40 minutes before he was due to arrive at work, two detectives showed up at my office door. Apparently, there was a warrant out for this gentleman's arrest and I had not a clue as to any of this information. Of course, I complied with everything that they were asking and felt terrible when I knew that my employee would be showing up, getting arrested, and I would just be standing there watching. In a way, I felt betrayed. I mean, I hired this man because someone had given me a good report of him and it turned out to be a complete lie. I'd had no reason to inquire about his arrest records or assume that he had a record.

See More on background checks and a background check.  

An hour later, he had been taken away in handcuffs and the detectives were filling me in on everything that was on his long list of arrest records. Apparently, he loved to steal cars and commit robberies. I was in shock over this knowledge. But at this time, there was nothing I could do. I did vow that from that moment going forward though, I would be changing my policies on how I hire employees. I was going to start doing a background check, looking for any arrest records and possibly even requiring a drug test. I wasn't about to compromise my company's future again.
Read more on how to do a pre employment background check.