Background Checks

The World Protection Group has developed some of the most sophisticated and accurate background check capabilities.  This is by necessity. We need to be able to screen and re-screen our own executive protection agents, and, in the case of residential or estate security, a client’s entire household staff.  When CEO and internationally-recognized security expert Kent Moyer founded the The World Protection Group, no appropriate commercially available background check system met the standards he set, so we built our own.

Because of this, many people and organizations use our background screening capabilities even when they are not currently engaged in a security engagement with us.

Background Checks and Criminal Records

There are a lot of myths about how background checks work, in particular around criminal records.  It is impossible to simply put someone’s name in a database and instantly see his or her entire criminal record.  These records are kept at the state and county level, and while limited databases do exist for some jurisdictions, it is necessary to have on-site courthouse researchers to look at specific areas of interest.  They also contain information that may not be accurate.

Because of the nature of high level of executive protection security, this is one area where the The World Protection Group cannot afford to compromise.  In the entire history of the company, we have never missed criminal activity on the part of potential job applicants. We extend these same services, with the same unblemished record, when screening on behalf of clients, for example:

Still, a criminal record search is just the starting point for a thorough background check.

Background Checks for Employers

Background checks will include some or all of the following, depending on the nature of your needs and relevant laws in your jurisdiction.  Because these laws vary widely and carry penalties for non-compliance, it is important to partner with an experienced and careful security firm to help you get the maximum information without creating potential liability:

Background Checks: Bankruptcies, judgments, liens, etc.

Bankruptcies and/or the results of civil (non-criminal) litigation can provide immense insight into someone’s background.  They can reveal patterns of reckless behavior, dishonesty, and even fraud. Sometimes these are not criminal offenses, or eve if they are, the overloaded criminal justice system in the United States is not able to identify and prosecute every crime.  Victims of these activities are often able to make their case through civil litigation. We often find that information to be extremely relevant.

Background Checks: Driving records

Driving records are clearly relevant for employee background checks if that person’s job duties include a significant amount of driving.  Where permitted by law, these records can also provide significant insight into someone’s overall judgment and decision-making, not just how they perform on the road.  While no one would be interested in an occasional parking ticket, imagine how it might change your assessment of the risk factors associated with an individual if he or she had had repeated license suspensions for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs or for reckless driving.

Background Checks: Confirming references and credentials

According to an Inc. Magazine study, fully 85% of job applicants lie on their resume.  Even though it is common knowledge that employers are able to check credentials and references and evaluate claims made on a resume of job application, candidates do so anyway.  Why? Because most employers don’t have the time, tools, and experience to efficiently and thoroughly run background checks.

Moreover, this 85% figure applies only to resumes, where the likelihood of being caught in a lie is at its highest.  It stands to reason that claims made during an interviewing or recruiting process would have an even higher number.

Even high profile individuals have been found to lie or to fake accomplishments or certifications that they claim to have earned, including the former CEO of Yahoo, Inc and the former Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).  This is an issue that affects all employers at all levels, from entry-level positions to top leadership.

Background Checks: Credit History

An individual’s credit history is an often-overlooked source of information.  Someone with a history of disputes and unpaid bills may bring risk factors that another individual does not.  However, it is not enough to simply run a credit report. Many credit reports are notoriously inaccurate. The United States government estimates that more than 20% of credit reports contain “potentially material errors”.   It takes a firm with experience in evaluating credit reports and further researching areas of interest — with the experience to know where issues are more or less likely to arise — to provide an accurate picture to allow you to be properly informed.

Background Checks: Drug testing and random drug tests

It is highly recommended to have a drug testing policy.  The World Protection Group does initial drug testing on all employees to make sure no one has any type of drug use.  In addition, we recommend that anytime that an employee appears to be acting unnaturally or erratically and where drug use is suspect, that the employer mandate a drug test if the laws of your jurisdiction allow for it.  Please contact us for details.

Background Checks: Psychological Assessments

Depending on the laws of your jurisdiction and the scope of your needs, psychological assessments can provide immense insights into an individual’s potential risk factors.  One key advantage of the World Protection Group in our own recruiting process is our extensive and finely-tuned psychological assessment process. Our methods are proprietary and extremely accurate and have helped clients dramatically reduce risk in several memorable cases in which these risk factors would not have been discovered through conventional background checks.


Background Checks and Ongoing Monitoring

No background check, however sophisticated, can account for future developments.  The risk profile of an individual changes can changes as his or her life situation changes.  Addictions can develop unpredictably (although our psychological testing can make this somewhat less unpredictable), and changes to an individual’s life situations can alter his or her risk profile; for example, an individual facing crushing medical bills or a divorce or other threat to their lifestyle would merit a more detailed look at his or her potential risk for committing fraud or theft.  Of course, most individuals of strong character retain their character despite life changes, but when allocating resources to reducing risk, it is important to know where these sources of risk often develop.

Please fill in the short contact form below so that you can help us understand your specific background check needs.

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