EmployeeScreenIQ

A recent incident is causing some local officials to question the depth of background checks and criminal records (Click here) performed on constables.

Dallas County Judge Jim Foster is requesting that the Dallas County Sheriff's Department conduct background checks on some deputy constables to make sure they are qualified for the job. This concern came about after a lieutenant in Precinct 5 was charged with minor felonies during a constable investigation.

An investigation by The Dallas Morning News found that before Constable Jaime Cortes hired Lieutenant Howard Watson, he was wanted in California in connection with a large legal judgment and child support, and previously faced criminal charges that were eventually thrown out.

Because of that information, Foster plans to put the idea of requiring additional background checks for other deputies in Precinct 5 up for a vote. Commissioners Maurine Dickey and Kenneth Mayfield have come out in support of the idea.

"I want this court to order that this precinct submit each and every person to undergo a complete and thorough background check," Foster told TDMN. "We've already seen evidence that it's not being done."

Lawrence Friedman, the lawyer representing Cortes, said he will go along with the idea if Foster, Dickey and Mayfield consent to background checks themselves. He said the three are neglecting the duties they were elected to perform by concerning themselves with constables' affairs.

Currently, the Dallas County Human Resources department only performs preliminary background checks on new constable employees, which include such things as education verification. The constables are then responsible for conducting additional employee background checks, such as contacting previous employers and verifying other information.

Labels: Background checks and criminal records