ANTONOVICH: REHIRING ERROR DEMANDS ACCOUNTABILITY, REFORM TO ENSURE CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS

 

 

 

PRESS RELEASE

Contact:  Tony Bell, Communications Deputy    Office:  (213) 974-5555   Cell: (213) 215-5176    E-mail:  tbell@bos.lacounty.gov

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 February 4, 2009                                                                                                         For Immediate Release

 

ANTONOVICH: REHIRING ERROR DEMANDS ACCOUNTABILITY, REFORM TO ENSURE CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS

 

LOS ANGELES COUNTY – Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich issued the following statement on the rehiring of a convicted rapist by County staff at the Roybal

Comprehensive Health Center:

 

“It is unconscionable that the County’s hiring protocol allowed this rapist to slip through the cracks and get rehired at a County medical facility.  The CEO’s investigation and report ordered by my office must ensure that criminal background checks are administered for all employees including those hired through registries or other contractors who do business with the County.  County staff who knowingly approve hiring without criminal background checks -- in direct violation of the procedures adopted by the Board of Supervisors – are jeopardizing the public’s safety and should be fired.”

 

On October 28, 2008, the Board approved Antonovich’s motion directing the CEO to evaluate cases where the Department of Health Services failed to follow hiring procedures for applicants with criminal backgrounds.

 

 

 

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