U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government, Department of Justice.

NCJRS Virtual Library

The Virtual Library houses over 235,000 criminal justice resources, including all known OJP works.
Click here to search the NCJRS Virtual Library

Granting a Stamp of Approval

NCJ Number
172457
Journal
Security Management Volume: 42 Issue: 5 Dated: (May 1998) Pages: 62-69
Author(s)
L A Kirksey; B L Smith
Date Published
1998
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This article describes a background screening program to help eliminate potential troublemakers at the US Postal Service (USPS).
Abstract
A key component of the employee screening program (revamped in 1994) is that the Federal Government's Office of Personnel Management will perform a fingerprint check of any USPS new-hire personnel using the records from the FBI. Job applicants are first evaluated as to whether they meet basic suitability requirements. Next they undergo a preliminary background check, including an in-depth personal interview. The next stage includes a drug screen, local criminal history check, and local employment check. Successful candidates then receive a conditional offer of employment, after which they undergo a medical assessment. During this probationary period, the new-hire undergoes a Special Agreement Check, which includes a fingerprint check, security/suitability evaluation, defense clearance, military records check, and employment/crime history. The article includes a list of keys to effective personnel screening.