Just a week ago I was sitting in a large court's administration office.
The Administrator was scratching his head.
Dumb me, I asked why.
The Administrator was reviewing a resume for a court clerk's position and the applicant had attached a criminal record check result from a 'national database' provider.
Rule # 1. The power of advertising is much greater than the truth.
Not one jurisdiction this national database provided results from (can we call them results?) contained an ounce of information from where the applicant had been, ever was, never will be; like give me a break.
Rule #2. Be prepared to hear so much 'bull' that an open door to slip out of never looked so good.
Another thing you do want to do is debate a police officer, detective, cop, whatever on criminal records.
But here I am, the pot calling the kettle black.
The other day I found (rather, put) myself in the position of listening to a long winded argument that this cop knew how to check police databases here and there; that the state system was great, that they check everything, get everything.
OMG! I must have been doing background checks too long.
Never mind all the studies showing lack of records, arrestees slipping through , etc.
But just when I think I've heard everything here comes the U.S Government.
Recently, I'm working on an immigration case. No matter, that's not impotant.
What's important is that we think a little knowledge makes us experts.
Talk about arrogance! (maybe mine?)
This government official (actually a nice person) really did believe that she could check online to get the records they need to do a background check.
And that's what they do!
Sorry to inform you that this government official is the head of a District's immigration policy.
Worse, they might use this information against you or a friend someday.
Really, though, I have been proved wrong many times.
But, I listen and (hopefully) learn.
That is Rule #3. Keep an open mind. (probably Keep Your Mouth Shut should follow!)
The hardest thing I find to do is change.
After many years of repetitive work, it all becomes so routine.
But, someone someday will spring something new on me.
Always happens. Can't wait.
Call me an eternal optimist.
Happy Holidays.
The Administrator was scratching his head.
Dumb me, I asked why.
The Administrator was reviewing a resume for a court clerk's position and the applicant had attached a criminal record check result from a 'national database' provider.
Rule # 1. The power of advertising is much greater than the truth.
Not one jurisdiction this national database provided results from (can we call them results?) contained an ounce of information from where the applicant had been, ever was, never will be; like give me a break.
Rule #2. Be prepared to hear so much 'bull' that an open door to slip out of never looked so good.
Another thing you do want to do is debate a police officer, detective, cop, whatever on criminal records.
But here I am, the pot calling the kettle black.
The other day I found (rather, put) myself in the position of listening to a long winded argument that this cop knew how to check police databases here and there; that the state system was great, that they check everything, get everything.
OMG! I must have been doing background checks too long.
Never mind all the studies showing lack of records, arrestees slipping through , etc.
But just when I think I've heard everything here comes the U.S Government.
Recently, I'm working on an immigration case. No matter, that's not impotant.
What's important is that we think a little knowledge makes us experts.
Talk about arrogance! (maybe mine?)
This government official (actually a nice person) really did believe that she could check online to get the records they need to do a background check.
And that's what they do!
Sorry to inform you that this government official is the head of a District's immigration policy.
Worse, they might use this information against you or a friend someday.
Really, though, I have been proved wrong many times.
But, I listen and (hopefully) learn.
That is Rule #3. Keep an open mind. (probably Keep Your Mouth Shut should follow!)
The hardest thing I find to do is change.
After many years of repetitive work, it all becomes so routine.
But, someone someday will spring something new on me.
Always happens. Can't wait.
Call me an eternal optimist.
Happy Holidays.
No comments:
Post a Comment