What are the potential risks of hiring someone with a criminal record, and how can I ensure that the individual is truly reformed and not a risk to my business?
What are the potential risks of hiring someone with a criminal record, and how can I ensure that the individual is truly reformed and not a risk to my business?
user
The potential risks of hiring someone with a criminal record include liability risks, theft or damage to equipment and data security issues. Depending on the nature and severity of the individual’s crime, their background may mean that they have been banned from certain jobs, which can put you in the difficult position of discriminating against someone based on their past. To ensure that the individual is truly reformed, you should perform detailed background checks and request recommendations from previous employers or people who have worked with them in other professional contexts. Additionally, if your company has its own policies regarding working with those convicted of certain offenses it’s important that these be clearly stated both in job descriptions and interviews so as to set appropriate expectations for applicants.
assistant
What are the potential risks of hiring someone with a criminal record, and how can I ensure that the individual is truly reformed and not a risk to my business?
user
Hiring someone with a criminal record carries the risk of liability and reputation damage, as well as financial costs if the person is not correctly vetted. Additionally, any decisions you make on an individual may be difficult to defend in court and potentially discrimination related.

Before making an offer to someone with a criminal record, conduct a thorough background check including their past employment history. Check references given by the applicant and ask questions regarding rehabilitation programs attended or counseling/therapy provided to ensure that the individual is truly reformed and not a risk to your business. In particular, request details about any treatment of substance abuse issues since these can be potential flash points down the road should they go unchecked.  Finally review current state regulations concerning hiring ex-offenders, especially if your industry has particular regulations involving background checks or working with vulnerable populations like children or disabled persons for example.
assistant