A Level 2 background check is a way to check the background of someone who intends to hold a position of authority. It’s administered to protect individuals considered to be in vulnerable positions, such as seniors or children. Explicitly, the background check involves taking a person’s fingerprints. In turn, their fingerprints will be used to search for records pertaining to criminal behavior. Of course, a criminal offense would make someone ineligible to work in a position of authority.
The Process
When a person submits their fingerprints for a Level 2 search, it needs to be done through an official institution and sent to law enforcement. Fingerprints are required for both a state and a federal record. Moreover, they will be used to pull records from the FBI fingerprint system, which is automated. There is an administrative cost associated with the process, and the individual being screened will need to pay the fee.
Florida
Florida uses the term “Level 2” to describe a criminal check that incorporates fingerprint data. The screening is a protocol that Florida has put into place to prevent crimes. It’s required by law for specific institutions to ensure that prospective hires submit fingerprints for the second tier evaluation. It will determine whether a person is even permitted to be hired. Explicitly, Florida has listed crimes that prohibit someone from holding a position of authority. Immediate rejection would include the following offenses: sexual misconduct, exploitation, assault, battery, and abuse.
Specific Crimes
Additional crimes that would bar someone from passing a Level 2 check are violence and murder. In addition, domestic violence and kidnapping exclude any candidate from holding a position that requires looking after other people. Fraud, including selling controlled substances, also results in disqualification. Additionally, a candidate will not have a chance of gaining clearance if they have any history of arson or burglary. An employer will also reject any applicant who has resisted arrest. Moreover, an employer will reject a new hire because of voyeurism, indecent exposure, incest.
Caretakers
Anyone, who is looking to work as a caretaker for seniors will need to submit their fingerprints. If there is any indication from the search that a prospective caretaker has shown negligence or unlawful behavior, the employer is not permitted to hire that person. Overall, the caretaker is responsible for a person’s health and safety. For example, caretakers may oversee a person’s medication. A failed criminal screening would prohibit someone who has demonstrated poor judgment from working closely with an individual.
Teachers
Teachers are among professionals who are expected to pass a Level 2 screening. The role of a teacher includes assuming responsibility for children. Therefore, it’s imperative that the teacher does not have a criminal history. According to Florida law, one of the crimes which would stop a candidate from clearing the examination is taking a gun out within 1,000 feet of a school. In general, a teacher is expected to have good judgment and behave appropriately. Accordingly, thorough criminal screening is one way to make sure that teachers are capable of both good judgment and behave properly.
Disability Workers
Someone who is looking to work with an individual who has a disability also needs to send in their fingerprints. A handful of the crimes that Florida has determined will automatically disqualify a candidate relate to people with disabilities. This is because jobs related to caring for individuals with a disability require trustworthy candidates. If the person does not clear the Level 2 review, he or she will need to look for other employment that does not involve people who have a disability.
Daycare Workers
Daycare workers also need to undergo a Level 2 review, since jobs involving childcare also require trustworthy individuals. An individual who has a criminal history has demonstrated negligence or a lack of impulse control and is deemed unsuitable for a daycare job. Even if the person committed the crime years prior, it is not lawful for them to be hired as a daycare worker in the state of Florida.
