Press Releases
Luetkemeyer Bill Allows Criminal Background Checks for Electronic Life Safety, Security, and Systems Industry Professionals
Washington, DC,
April 2, 2009
In an effort to protect families and businesses from convicted felons, violent criminals, and sexual predators, U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer today filed legislation that would allow professional installers of life safety/fire and security alarms systems, and monitoring security personnel access to background checks before hiring potential employees.
In an effort to protect families and businesses from convicted felons, violent criminals, and sexual predators, U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer today filed legislation that would allow professional installers of life safety/fire and security alarms systems, and monitoring security personnel access to background checks before hiring potential employees. The Electronic Life Safety and Security System Federal Background Check Act of 2009 permits industry access to a database which can be used to check a potential employee’s criminal history. Congress has authorized similar access in the past to groups such as banks, credit unions, private security guards, and others. “It is outrageous that a potential felon could have access to our citizens’ homes and businesses without the employer knowing his or her record, and that is why this legislation is so important,” Luetkemeyer said. “It would be irresponsible to allow this to continue because it puts those families and businesses who think they are being protected at risk.” States are not currently able to keep up on crimes committed from one state to another, and many private background check services do not capture complete law enforcement information on which to base a hiring judgment. Some states, including Missouri, have no background check requirements for this industry. Luetkemeyer’s legislation is backed by the electronic life safety and security industry, represented by the National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association. The legislation is not a government mandate, but simply offers the electronic life safety and security industry access to the same background information that is currently available to many other groups. Americans do not want a person with a questionable criminal background gaining access to child daycare centers, schools, public pools, chemical plants, water and nuclear facilities, banks, hospitals, port facilities, air terminals and installing the systems which help to keep them safe. For example, an installer could set up a surveillance system at a day care and monitor that day care through a computer at a different location. “I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass this commonsense legislation to keep our families, businesses, and critical infrastructure safe,” Luetkemeyer said. ###
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