Public Health and Safety Portfolio

Fair chance hiring is a national movement that can offer 911 and 988 an opportunity to address their workforce shortages. Fair chance hiring practices encourage employers to consider candidates’ qualifications and skills first, before their criminal history, such as an arrest or conviction. Often this means delaying criminal background checks until after a conditional job offer has been made. Many companies, organizations and institutions engage in fair chance hiring practices, including those under significant federal regulatory control and with significant security considerations. With 82% of all 911 call centers reporting staffing shortages, tapping the potential workforce of the estimated 77 million individuals within the U.S. with criminal records could expand the candidate pool for both 911 and 988. This population, which often faces unemployment and underemployment, could find meaningful career opportunities in emergency response. Even if only a small percentage of this population is interested and eligible, the impact could be significant. Phase II of the Fair Chance Hiring initiative seeks to develop a Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) regulation fact sheet, produce a fair chance hiring "myth busters" guide, and deepen connections with 911 and 988.  

Transform911