In a nutshell the true objective of background checks should be:

1. Verify a person is who they say they are.
2. Uncover anything in their past that they are not divulging. This question alone tests their honesty and integrity.
3. Based on those results you should make a fact based intelligent risk decision.
   When you are interpreting background check report that contain positive criminal records offenses. Ask yourself the following:

• How severe was the offense?
• Is the person a repeat offender of the same criminal offense? (VERY IMPORTANT as it shows tendency that it will repeat once employed)
  

Does the employee?

• have extensive contact with the public
• handle money or other financial resources
• act as caregiver for children or vulnerable adults
• enter private homes as part of his/her job responsibilities
• have access to materials deemed confidential under federal or state data privacy laws
• have regular access to drugs or controlled substances
• have access to secure areas restricted to the public and other city employees or have access to keys or other methods to gain entry to financial resources?

background checks should not be used to condemn a person on the basis of a past mistake that they may have rectified and made them become a better person and grateful hard worker.
Otherwise, we will soon have an unemployable-turned-to-crime society.