Fingerprint background checks may be necessary for specific roles within federal government, state agencies, or regulated industries. Discover the limitations of fingerprint background screenings and understand how opting for a more comprehensive criminal background check could provide enhanced protection for your business.
Employers choose ACI Background Checks to enhance the quality of their hires, and safeguard the company’s reputation. This is why over 95% of employers conduct some form of background screening as part of the hiring process with criminal background checks as the most common type.
What Is a Fingerprint Background Check?
A fingerprint background check utilizes a candidate’s fingerprints, along with personal information such as their name and date of birth, to uncover any criminal history. This process involves searching the Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System (IAFIS), a nationwide database of fingerprints managed by the FBI. Additionally, smaller Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) databases on the state, city, and county levels can also be accessed for comprehensive background checks.
Employers may request an Identity History Summary Check (IdHSC) through the State Identification Bureau if authorized by state statute.
Depending on applicable laws and industry regulations, fingerprint background checks may be necessary for various positions, including government employment, roles in schools or daycare centers, positions regulated by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and jobs in law enforcement, fire departments, or airports. Certain states, like Florida, require fingerprint-based background checks for state agencies and regulated industries.
Additionally, professional licensing in fields such as engineering, medicine, real estate, law, stockbroking, and architecture may necessitate fingerprint background screenings. While the advantage of fingerprint screenings lies in the certainty that the records are associated with the individual in question, it is crucial to acknowledge that the results may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate.
Limitations of Fingerprint-Based Background Checks
While fingerprint-based background checks may have their uses, it is important to note that relying solely on them to assess an applicant’s criminal history is not recommended by the PBSA. IAFIS fingerprint checks have certain limitations that should be considered.
Inconsistent Data Transmission
A report by the National Science and Technology Council uncovered significant challenges in sharing records among state, local, and federal AFIS systems, including the IAFIS. Transmitting criminal record data from the local level to the FBI demands a coordinated effort involving courts, prosecutors, state agencies, and the FBI. Unfortunately, this process lacks standardization and regulation, leading to inconsistencies in reporting across jurisdictions. Even within a single state, AFIS systems often fail to collaborate effectively, resulting in data being compartmentalized in separate databases.
Incomplete Records
Not all fingerprints collected by state and local AFIS systems are transmitted to the IAFIS. According to a 2020 study funded by the Bureau of Justice Statistics, states only send about one-third of final dispositions in criminal cases to the IAFIS. Additionally, some states choose not to provide the FBI with disposition information on second or subsequent arrests. This means that IAFIS records may not present a complete or accurate picture of a job candidate, particularly if the arrest did not result in a conviction. To make informed employment decisions, employers are advised by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to limit the use of arrest records. It is crucial to avoid relying on screening reports that might be outdated, incomplete, or contain inaccuracies. Failure to do so could potentially lead to the unintended consequences of disparate impact discrimination, leaving your organization vulnerable to legal liabilities.
Poor Data Quality
The IAFIS stores a vast number of records; however, their accuracy cannot be guaranteed. When conducting fingerprint checks, the system retrieves all information that corresponds to the applicant’s fingerprint without ensuring its precision. Relying on incomplete or inaccurate data for hiring decisions can expose employers to legal risks.
Disparate Impact on People of Color
Because of the disproportionate likelihood of people of color being arrested, a fingerprint background check that provides incomplete or inaccurate information can unintentionally discriminate against them. Taking adverse action based on this flawed information may have a disparate impact on groups protected by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.
Using a CRA for More Comprehensive Criminal History
Partnering with a consumer reporting agency (CRA) for your employment background checks ensures the acquisition of a comprehensive and precise criminal history of potential job candidates. What makes private background companies a preferable choice?
Government agencies such as the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Government Accountability Office (GAO) have recommended exploring alternative solutions to relying solely on the FBI for background checks. They acknowledge that there are significant gaps in the IAFIS data and suggest leveraging private sector resources as a potential solution. Despite ongoing efforts to address these issues, progress has been slow. By utilizing a CRA, you can ensure that your screening reports are consistently and promptly provided with accurate data.
Get a Background Check with ACI Background Checks
Employers can make informed hiring decisions by selecting background screening options that align with their organization’s requirements. If fingerprint background checks are part of your screening process, considering additional checks through a qualified CRA can yield more comprehensive results. ACI Background Checks offers hundreds of background screening options, including criminal background checks, to employers of all sizes. Benefit from our streamlined and up-to-date reports, thanks to our easy end-to-end workflow, unparalleled database access, and national network of professional court runners.