Pamela Devata Quoted in HR Magazine
“Criminal Background: Consider the risks—and rewards—of hiring ex-offenders”

Employment partner Pamela Devata was quoted in an article appearing in the February 1 issue of HR Magazine. The article covers the benefits and risks of hiring ex-offenders, and provides advice on some of the legal intricacies of the employee screening process. In particular, the article notes that U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission officials have been examining the barriers ex-offenders face to employment, and that policy changes are likely with respect to how information gathered from criminal background checks can be used in the hiring process.

When criminal background reports are used, Pam recommends keeping them out of personnel files. “The only person who needs to know what information was on the person’s background report is the person who made the hiring decision,” she remarks.

To navigate changing rules and regulations, Pam advises employers to continually monitor relevant rules and rulings, both federally mandated and company specific. “You should not create a policy and then leave it on the shelf,” she cautions.