Calif. police require social media passwords for employment screening, despite law

Police Facebook Passwords ImageSome police agencies in California have been requiring prospective employees to hand over their social media passwords during background screening, or risk losing out on a job. California passed a law two years ago preventing employers from asking applicants for social media passwords, but there is a loophole: the wording of the law makes it unclear whether the law applies to all employers, or only private employers. “We interpret [the law] as only applying to private employers,” said Police Chief Ken Corney, of Ventura, Calif. Some police departments in the state still require job applicants to hand over their Facebook, Twitter and other social media passwords in order to comb through anything that has been hidden by privacy settings. This applies to not only law-enforcement positions, but also “sensitive” non-police jobs, such as corrections officers and dispatchers. Alternatively, some departments ask candidates to bring up their social media accounts in front of their prospective employer. Some departments require password information when current employees switch jobs within the organization as well. When the author of the original law, Assemblywoman Nora Campos, attempted to pass legislation closing the loophole this year, she received opposition from police management groups that were concerned that they would not be able to screen candidates thoroughly without access to an individual’s social media accounts. However, those who supported the new bill expressed concern that if police agencies are able to require passwords, then other public employers, such as school districts, may be able to require social media passwords as well. The bill was dropped in favor of letting the courts decide whether law enforcement agencies have the right to ask for passwords, or if the law applies universally to both private and public employees. Photo credit: railking via Free Images]]>

You May Also Like

Check out these additional posts from Mind Your Business.

What are Continuous Background Checks?

Continuous background checks are a departure from traditional screening practices and are a paradigm shift in how companies vet their employees. Unlike the conventional one-and-done approach, continuous background checks involve regular, ongoing assessments of an individual’s criminal history and qualifications. Continuous background checks can be used at varying frequencies, ranging from daily to weekly or…
Read More

The Top Five Reasons to Run a Background Check

Running a background check is more than just a precaution; it’s a crucial step toward ensuring transparency, accountability, and peace of mind. Let’s explore why running various types of background checks is essential in various aspects of life.  Hiring the Right Candidates In the hiring process, running a background check is a cornerstone of pre-employment…
Read More

Timing is Everything: When to Run a Background Check

Mind Your Business is a leading provider of pre-employment background screening, equal employment opportunity support services, drug screening services, and other support services for both the private and federal sectors. MYB is a certified woman-owned small business. Running a background check has become a crucial step in various aspects of life. Whether you’re hiring potential…
Read More

Quality and Precise Results, On Time!

Let us know about your screening needs to get a custom quote. We work with businesses big and small as well as the government. Which means we have a package of solutions for your organization as well.