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This book provides a critical overview of the policy frameworks underpinning the contemporary practices of non-conviction information disclosure during pre-employment 'screening'. It questions how a man can walk free from a criminal court as an innocent person only to have all the court details of his acquittal passed to any potential employer.Despite several million 'enhanced' criminal background checks being performed each year, there has been little discussion of these issues within academic literature. Non-conviction information, also known as 'police intelligence', is a less well-known check provided alongside the criminal record check. This book seeks to define what is meant by non-conviction information and to provide a clear and simple explanation of how this decision making process of police disclosure to employers is made. It also considers the extent to which these practices have been subjected to legal challenges within the UK and explores how public protection is balancedagainst individual rights.
List of contents
1. The Disclosure of Criminal Records to Employers.- 2. The Nature of 'Non-conviction Information'?.- 3. The Disclosure of 'Non-Conviction Information' to Employers 1986 to 2010.- 4. The Police Disclosure of 'Non-Conviction Information' to Employers 2010 to the present day.- 5. Making the Decision to Disclose 'Non-Conviction Information'.- 6. Human Rights.- 7. Conclusions.
About the author
Terry Thomas was awarded the title of Emeritus Professor at Leeds Beckett University, UK. He was formerly employed as a senior medical social worker at Leeds General Infirmary and senior social worker in a local authority social services department area office. His publications have focused on questions relating to personal information databases and the criminal justice system i.e. criminal records, DNA and fingerprints.
Kevin Bennett is a postgraduate student at the University of Sunderland, UK.
Summary
This book provides a critical overview of the policy frameworks underpinning the contemporary practices of non-conviction information disclosure during pre-employment ‘screening’. It questions how a man can walk free from a criminal court as an innocent person only to have all the court details of his acquittal passed to any potential employer.Despite several million ‘enhanced’ criminal background checks being performed each year, there has been little discussion of these issues within academic literature. Non-conviction information, also known as 'police intelligence', is a less well-known check provided alongside the criminal record check. This book seeks to define what is meant by non-conviction information and to provide a clear and simple explanation of how this decision making process of police disclosure to employers is made. It also considers the extent to which these practices have been subjected to legal challenges within the UK and explores how public protection is balancedagainst individual rights.
