Criminal Background Check

[*** CDN BACON ***]

Medics in the area I work must submit to a yearly criminal background check....the check releases information(whether the medic is on charge / awaiting trial) which the employer is not entitled too under the Ambulance Act of Ontario...the employer is only entitled to conviction information......many medics have a big problem and feel this is an invasion of their privacy.........the other side of the coin is that if a medic were charged with an offence in another area (E.g. narcotics, assault, child porn, sex assault, theft) it may go unknown by the local EMS employer......isn't there some responsibility on Mgr to take some action even if the matter is still before the courts......????

Any thoughts???

[ffpm41]

Yes. We are called when people need help the most. I trust that when I invite a emergency worker into my house in my time of need that I shouldn't have to worry about whether they are a child molester, rapist, druggy, etc. The public expects us to be held to a higher standard, as we should, and we should embrace it.

I wish Washington State did the same thing. As for pending charges for a crime, our employers should place us on paid administrative leave or to ride a desk while the court action is in progress. It happens to law enforcement, why should we be the exception?

[Ridryder 911]

Why would anyone have a problem, if they are innocent? We work as health care professionals, and part of this responsibility to have and present high ethical standards. One way of policing ourselves is by running checks. As the above post describes, the public has to be able to trust us.

Just because one can provide good care, is only part of the responsibility of an being a good employee. I would advise, have nothing to hide, then don't worry, if they are worried I would be worried as a peer as well.

R/r 911

[vs-eh?]

Hmmm...The employer knows all about criminal records/ongoings as far as I know.

My service has had a few charges against paramedics/supervisors over the last few years. All of them where well known across the city within days. These are charges and allegations, not convictions. I think the police disclose these charges to the service. They must. Bare in mind most of these charges involved crimes that occurred while the were on the job.

All paramedics in Ontario know the phrase "crimes against moral turpitude". Have one of these? See ya! It's a fairly loose definition though...Criminal record = no job basically.

[medic001918]

If the employer sets forth a requirement that they have to turn in a criminal background investigation yearly, then by agreeing to employment you have agreed to the "rules" of the employment. You have no grounds to cry upon on invasion of privacy as it's something you agreed to by accepting the position with the service. If you've done nothing wrong, then it shouldn't be a big deal either way. I'm going through a criminal background check currently for a per diem position at another service. I don't care what they look for since they won't find anything that shouldn't be on there and that would prevent me from getting the position.

If the service feels the need to perform yearly checks, that's their initative. If you don't like it or fear that you won't be compiant, find a service that's more relaxed. Kudos to the service for maintaining such high standards.

Shane

NREMT-P

[fire911medic]

In my area, the state EMS board runs twice yearly backgrounds on everyone through the state police. If you are a medic student, it is every ninety days. Just keeps everybody honest. I'm more comfortable knowing that the person I'm working with isn't a criminal (read previous posts and you'll find out why this is so comforting). It became a neccessity. Good thing. If you have nothing to hide, what's the problem?

[hammerpcp]

All paramedics in Ontario know the phrase "crimes against moral turpitude".

Actually, a "crime against morale turpitude" might classify you as a vigilante. I'm pretty sure you could still be a paramedic as long as your crime against moral turpitude wasn't in and of itself of moral turpitude.

[paramedicmike]

Did the employees agree to this as a condition of employment? If yes, and it sounds like it is 'yes' since the employers are doing it, then it shouldn't be an issue.

And if the employees don't like it, they can always take their chances elsewhere. Such is the life of a working adult.

-be safe.

[streetsmart]

In Missouri criminal background checks are required by the state when you apply for a license or every 5 years when you re-license. Criminal background checks are a specific part of the licensing process and are performed by the Missouri Highway Patrol. Having a past conviction does not necessarily keep you from getting a license. It depends on what the conviction was for and how long ago the conviction occurred. Moral turpitude is mentioned as a possible reason for not granting a license.

[SA_Medic]

HAHA,

If they had to do a criminal history check on medics in SA, half would be unemployed.

Regards

S