The long-standing policy that governs the consideration of criminal convictions in the selection process was established in Executive Order 4 FY 74-75 (March 11, 1975). The executive order requires equal employment opportunity for ex-offenders and, hence, a blanket prohibition of hiring ex-offenders is not consistent with State policy.
This policy is intended to facilitate fair employment opportunities for ex-offenders while balancing the legitimate interest of the State in protecting property, and the safety and welfare of specific individuals and the general public. Hiring decisions must be considered on a case-by-case basis. In considering candidates for employment (including initial hires, transfers or promotions) who have a criminal record, the following analysis must be undertaken by the hiring agency.
Asking about criminal history on a State Government job application is prohibited unless, due to the nature and requirements of the position, a person who has a criminal conviction may be disqualified from eligibility for the position. See HR Memo 5-19 and HR Memo 6-19 for more information. This prohibition, however, does not preclude interviewers from asking questions regarding an applicant's criminal history during the interview process. If the candidate discloses a prior conviction, the following factors must then be considered by the agency prior to making a final decision regarding an offer of employment:
- The nature and severity of the conviction(s).
- The relevance of the conviction to the position, taking into account both the nature of the conviction and the duties of the position. (In other words, is there a nexus between the conviction and the job?)
- The number of convictions.
- When the convictions took place. (The implication being that the time that has elapsed since a conviction or whether there have been intervening convictions, should be considered.)
- Evidence of rehabilitation.
Once the above factors are taken into consideration, the agency must then determine whether hiring the individual would create potential situations in which the safety and well-being of citizens are threatened. When considering the safety and well being of the general public, particular attention must be given to those positions requiring contact with the public outside of State office locations. If consideration of all of these factors leads to a determination that an individual cannot perform the duties of a particular job without presenting a potential risk to the safety and well-being of the general public the individual may be denied employment in that position.
If an applicant with a criminal record is hired by the State after due consideration of the factors discussed in this policy, appropriate instruction and training shall be provided to the individual’s supervisor to ensure the public’s safety and welfare, and to protect the individual from discrimination/harassment in the workplace based on their ex-offender status.
DG/JO 032006
JTC 03152023