The USPS Uses GIS For HR, Causing SNAFUs

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5 Jul, 2024
Daniel Cohen
3 min
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The USPS performs background checks and many potential and current employees

The United States Postal Service (USPS) uses General Information Services (GIS) technology to perform background checks on new hires, sometimes acting on erroneous information

What Does a GIS Background Check Look For?
USPS Background Check Red Flag
GIS Background Check Dispute

While GIS software can be a useful tool for conducting background checks, there are potential risks associated with its use

What Does a GIS Background Check Look For? 

The United States Postal Service (USPS) is one of the largest employers in the country, with over 600,000 employees. To ensure the safety and security of its employees, the public, and its facilities, the USPS performs background checks on all potential employees. One of the resources the USPS uses for these background checks is General Information Services (GIS). However, the use of GIS in background checks raises questions about privacy and accuracy, and the potential for mixed files can pose significant risks for individuals.

USPS Background Check Red Flag

GIS is a consumer reporting agency that provides background check services to employers, landlords, and others. The company collects and aggregates information from various sources, including public records, criminal databases, and commercial databases. The information is then packaged into reports that are sold to its customers for use in making hiring, leasing, and other important decisions.

While GIS provides valuable information to the USPS, there are several risks associated with the use of GIS in background checks. One of the biggest risks is the potential for mixed files. Mixed files occur when information from one individual is combined with information from another individual with a similar name or other identifying information. This can result in inaccurate information being included in a background check report, potentially leading to negative consequences for the individual, such as being denied a job, rental, or loan.

Another potential risk of using GIS in background checks is the accuracy of the information. While GIS collects information from various sources, not all the information is current or accurate. Some of the information may be outdated, incorrect, or irrelevant. Misdemeanors may be reported as felonies or there could be incorrect charge descriptions and expunged/outdated charges still appearing on a background check report. Additionally, some of the sources used by GIS may be unreliable, and the information they provide may not be verified. This means that individuals may be negatively impacted by information that is inaccurate or outdated, and they may not be able to contest or correct the information.

In addition to these risks, the use of GIS in background checks raises questions about privacy. The information collected by GIS is personal and sensitive, and individuals may be concerned about who has access to it and how it is being used. Additionally, the information collected by GIS may be used for purposes beyond what the individual intended, and individuals may not have control over how it is shared or used.

To mitigate these risks, the USPS and other employers who use GIS in background checks should take several steps. Firstly, they should ensure that the information used in the background checks is accurate, current, and relevant. Secondly, they should use multiple sources to verify the information, and they should not rely solely on GIS. Thirdly, they should provide individuals with a copy of their background check report, and they should allow individuals to contest or correct any inaccuracies.

Dealing with Inaccurate Reports: Addressing Hireright Background Errors

Job seekers may face problems with inaccurate reports from Hireright, a well-known background check provider. These errors can have serious consequences on employment prospects, as they may contain incorrect information. If you have experienced issues with inaccurate background check reports from Hireright, it's crucial to take action to rectify the situation. Contact our legal firm for expert assistance in resolving any problems related to Hireright background errors and protecting your rights.

GIS Background Check Dispute

At Consumer Attorneys, we can help individuals who feel that mistakes from technologies such as GIS systems have denied them a job opportunity. If an individual believes that they have been the victim of a mixed file or inaccurate information, we can assist them in obtaining a copy of their background check and identifying any errors. We can also help them to contest the results of the background check and advocate for their rights in court.

Daniel Cohen is the Founding Partner of Consumer Attorneys
About the author
Daniel Cohen
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Daniel Cohen is the Founder of Consumer Attorneys. Daniel manages the firm’s branding, marketing, client intake and business development efforts. Since 2017, he is a member of the National Association of Consumer Advocates and the National Consumer Law Center. Mr. Cohen is a nationally-recognized practitioner of consumer protection law. He has a wealth of proven legal experience in the US in: collective claims, representing visually impaired people who believe their rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act have been violated in both the physical and digital environments, corporate governance and dispute resolution. Read more

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