Arlington County to Stop Asking Questions About Criminal Convictions on Employment Applications

Arlington County is “banning the box” on County employment applications, eliminating questions about criminal convictions, according to a news release from the county. Here’s more about this new hiring practice, from the release:

While these questions do not necessarily automatically disqualify applicants, they can be a barrier to employment for anyone with a criminal record, negatively impacting millions of Americans. An estimated 65 million adults in the U.S. currently have a criminal record.

More than 50 jurisdictions around the country and at least 10 states already have “banned the box,” choosing to ask the question later in the interview and hiring process. Arlington joins Virginia localities such as the City of Alexandria, Newport News, Norfolk, Petersburg, Portsmouth and Richmond in this initiative.

“Taking this step reinforces our commitment to fair hiring practices,” said Marcy Foster, director, Department of Human Resources. “And ‘banning the box’ will help ensure that happens.”

Beginning today (Nov. 3, 2014), Arlington will move forward with the following initiatives:

• Eliminating the question regarding criminal convictions on the initial application, for positions not related to public safety.
• Eliminating the question regarding a DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) or DUI (Driving Under the Influence) conviction on the initial application, provided the position does not rely on driving as a part of the job, such as a CDL (commercial) driver or public safety.

Questions regarding criminal convictions may still be asked at the time of the interview. Non-public safety candidates may be required to sign a statement that they have had no convictions in the last three years, or if they do have a conviction, they may provide a written explanation regarding the offense. Safety remains a top priority for Arlington County, and all applicants will be informed that a background check is conducted on all applicants selected for a job prior to employment.

Allowing these candidates to proceed further into the process creates opportunities that may otherwise have been lost, and provides candidates with a more level playing field during the application process. Arlington County is committed to being an equal opportunity employer, and to attracting, developing and retaining a diverse workforce to serve the community.