What is the purpose of background checks for security officer applicants under SORA?

The purpose of background checks for security officer applicants under the Security Officer Registration Act (SORA) primarily revolves around identifying any criminal history of the candidates. This is crucial because security officers are entrusted with the safety and security of people and property. By understanding an applicant's criminal background, employers can determine if the individual is suitable for a role that involves significant responsibility and trust.

The inclusion of a criminal history review in the background check process helps to mitigate risks, ensuring that individuals who might pose a danger to the community or are untrustworthy are not placed in positions of power. This is particularly important in the security field, where the integrity of personnel can directly impact public safety and trust in security operations.

While assessing financial responsibility or verifying citizenship may be relevant for certain roles, they do not carry the same weight in terms of public safety and the specific mandates of SORA as identifying criminal history does. Ensuring compliance standards is also crucial, but the foundation starts with understanding an applicant's background, especially concerning any prior offenses that could indicate potential issues in their performance as a security officer.