Criminal Record Checks

[jmaellis]

Originally Posted by archangel

..... Jmaellis, as one in law enforcement, where is your line? Who needs it, and who doesnt? I'm guessing that you say EVERYONE.....

The inevitable, yet unanswerable question ... "Who need it .. where is the line?"

Everyone? I a perfect world with unlimited resources I would like to see that. Of course that's not realistic. Nor do I advocate that ANY impropriety in a person's background should necessarily disqualify them from a position of trust, but at least the knowledge of the impropriety will hopefully allow those that make these decisions to be informed.

For me, based upon my professional experience, I would like to see those who are in a position of trust/control/authority over children be required to submit to background checks. Those people who we, as parents, tell our children to trust/respect because of their position. That being said, the vast majority of those who commit crimes against children are people who would never go through a background check .. close friends who we entrust your children to .. Uncle Bob .. mom's new boyfriend .. etc (a nearly endless list). "Stranger Danger" ... sheeesh, ..... not even close.

[gottaluvhoops]

Great discussion!!!


Now would it change your opinion if you knew one of your fellow officials was once found guilty of "improper conduct"when they were coaching high school girls?? Now they are officiating to "stay in the basketball world".

What would you do?

BTW you don't need to have sexual relations with a young athlete for it to be improper. Any type of unwelcome contact, words or advances in inappropriate!

[santio]

I work with a Catholic school system. Parents are strongly encouraged to participate in some volunteer manner, such that thousands of them volunteer. Everyone of them attends a seminar about protecting children from abuse, and they all pay for their own background checks (local and FBI). If they become inactive for over 6 months, they have to get a new background check. Some private companies offer national criminal background search for lower cost with instant results, but they do not qualify for the School system, which requires the FBI fingerprinted background check.
So, I'm betting that there will be plenty of Officials and Referees willing to get a background check and keep the league running properly. The procedure is pretty simple. Get your fingerprints taken at you local sheriff's office. If they scan you fingerprints electronically, then you just pay and it's done. If they take your fingerprints with ink on a paper card, then you have to mail it into the FBI and to your State criminal records bureau.