County Extends Background Checks

Responding to ongoing concerns regarding federally subsidized housing tenants and their possible links to crime, county housing officials have extended criminal background checks for prospective Section 8 renters to five years.

The decision marks a drastic turnaround from December, when the Contra Costa Housing Authority's Board of Commissioners -- made up of the five county supervisors and one resident - declined to extend the background checks beyond one year.

Lack of Reporting Could Dry Up Cash

A national background check system meant to keep firearms out of the hands of dangerously mentally ill individuals gets no help from South Dakota, and at least one gun safety group is working to change that.

Under the "National Instant Check System Improvement Amendments Act" signed in January by President Bush, states could lose federal crime-fighting dollars if they don't submit records to a national database of individuals who have been adjudicated as being a danger to themselves or others because of mental illness.

Cops Can Run Background Checks on Passengers

In a precedent-setting ruling for New Jersey, the state Supreme Court said yesterday police have the right to run a criminal background check on a passenger in a vehicle they pull over. The decision raises the question of whether background checks on passengers will become routine.

The Supreme Court ruled 6-0 that a passenger in a vehicle stopped by police is considered in custody and that it is not unconstitutional for an officer to run a background check on the individual.

US to Ease Rules for Visa Applications

U.S. authorities are easing requirements for background checks for some immigrants hoping to become permanent U.S. residents. The change is expected to help ease a huge backlog of green card (residence visa) applications.

Under the new policy, officials will be able to approve otherwise qualified applicants if they have been waiting for a name check by the FBI for more than six months. Investigators will still conduct fingerprint checks and an internet criminal background search on all applicants.

Elder Abuse Cases on the Rise

When Bruce Armstrong was sentenced on charges of elder abuse, victim's advocate Laura Conrad accompanied Rachel Moore's family members to the sentencing hearing.

Conrad works solely on elder abuse cases in the county. Conrad said her role is intervention, education and protection of the victim's rights.

Background Check Provision Passed for Marshall Employees

Employees who apply for jobs at Marshall University or Marshall Community and Technical College must now undergo background checks.

The Board of Governors passed the background check provision, Policy No. HR-14, during its Oct. 16 meeting, marking the first time the university has required background checks campuswide, the policy said.

Ice Cream Vendor Background Checks

Some Rapid City officials say a change in city statute might be needed in an effort to protect children from any unsavory ice cream vendors.

A city council committee has asked the city attorney's office to prepare an ordinance amendment requiring background checks for people applying for a peddler's license.