Understanding the challenges individuals with criminal records face when reintegrating into society is crucial for promoting fair and effective reentry processes. One significant obstacle to successful reentry is the extensive use of a criminal background check service for non-judicial purposes.
These checks, which involve requesting information on prior convictions, can have detrimental effects on individuals’ opportunities for employment, housing, and other aspects of their lives.
While there has been significant research on the growth of CBCs in Western jurisdictions, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Western European countries, there’s limited knowledge about the evolution of CBCs in other parts of the world.
This article aims to fill this gap by presenting and analyzing an original dataset that provides insights into the use of CBCs for non-judicial purposes in 52 countries.
The Growth of CBCs in Western Jurisdictions
The use of CBCs in the United States has been steadily increasing since the 1980s and has become ubiquitous in various domains, including employment and housing. A survey conducted in the U.S. revealed that 71.1% of respondents who had found employment in the last year underwent a CBC during the recruitment process. CBCs have also become prevalent in the rental housing market.
Similar trends have been observed in other Western Anglo-speaking countries, such as the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada. In the UK, CBCs became compulsory for jobs involving contact with children in the mid-1980s, and private employers often request information on previous convictions during the recruitment process.
Australia and Canada have also seen an increase in CBCs in the labor market and collateral consequences in domains such as housing and eligibility for public services. Western European continental countries, traditionally considered to have limited use of CBCs, have also experienced recent growth in their utilization.
For example, the Netherlands saw a 614.7% increase in requests for criminal record certificates for employment-related issues between 2004 and 2016. Sweden and Spain also reported significant increases in the use of CBCs for non-criminal justice matters.
Anecdotal Evidence of the Global Growth of CBCs
Anecdotal evidence suggests that the use of CBCs is also growing outside Western jurisdictions. Some countries in South America, Eastern Europe, and Asia have reported a rise in requests for information on prior convictions, although data on the evolution of this practice is limited.
For example, research conducted in South America highlighted an increase in the use of CBCs in countries like Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay. Similarly, anecdotal evidence from Asia suggests a growing trend in countries such as Sri Lanka.
Challenges in Establishing the Global Nature of CBC Growth
It’s essential to be cautious when interpreting the growth of CBCs as a global trend. Selection effects, where studies are conducted only in countries with rising trends, can distort the overall picture. Comparative studies on other indicators of punishment, such as imprisonment or probation rates, have shown significant heterogeneity between countries.
Therefore, it’s crucial to examine the international nature of CBC growth to understand its sources and assess the need for comparative international research.
Introducing a New Dataset to Study CBC Evolution Worldwide
To study the global growth of criminal background checks, the author compiled an original dataset that includes information on the rate of requests for criminal record certificates for non-judicial purposes per 100 inhabitants in 52 countries between 2002 and 2019. The dataset covers countries from various regions, including Europe, Oceania, North and South America, the Caribbean, and Asia.
The analysis of the dataset revealed that the reported use of CBCs for non-judicial purposes has increased in almost every country examined. This growth was observed not only in countries with prior studies on CBCs but also in regions where information on CBCs was lacking.
These findings provide valuable insights into the global expansion of CBCs and highlight the need for further international research on this topic.
The Expansion of CBCs Across the World
The analysis of the dataset showed a widespread growth in the use of CBCs for non-judicial purposes across different regions of the world. Countries in Western Anglo-speaking regions, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Central and South America, the Caribbean, Asia, and Oceania have all experienced an increase in the rate of CBC requests.
While some countries exhibited decreasing or stable trends, the overall pattern indicates a global rise in the use of CBCs. However, caution should be exercised when comparing trends between countries due to variations in data collection methods and the inclusion of unofficial and informal CBCs.
Implications and Future Research
The widespread growth of CBCs raises important implications for policymakers and researchers. Understanding the global nature of CBC evolution can inform the development of effective public policies that balance public safety concerns with the fair reintegration of individuals with criminal records.
Comparative studies on the drivers and outcomes of CBC growth in specific countries can shed light on the mechanisms behind this expansion and inform evidence-based policy reforms.
Further research is needed to explore informal and unofficial CBC practices, as well as the potential transfer of CBC policies between countries. International surveys on the general population or employers’ attitudes towards CBCs can complement existing research and provide a more comprehensive understanding of CBC utilization.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the use of CBCs for non-judicial purposes is on the rise worldwide. This article provided insights into the global expansion of CBCs by analyzing an original dataset covering 52 countries.
The findings emphasize the need for international research and evidence-based policy reforms to address the challenges and implications of CBC growth. By promoting fair reentry and reducing barriers to opportunities, policymakers can support the successful integration of individuals with criminal records into society.
Luciana joined our team as a mum blogger in 2020. A dedicated mum to a lively daughter and a dog, Luna, Luciana brings authenticity and passion to every post. Her expertise in parenting and lifestyle topics offers practical, relatable advice for real-life situations.