Tuesday, May 10, 2005
Pre Employment Screening - Ports
Bill requires criminal background check for SC port workers
The House of Representatives in South Carolina has given primary approval to legislation that would require pre employment screening for workers at South Carolina's ports.
A spokeman with the South Carolina Ports Authority said the agency currently cannot search for previous criminal convictions for people who are not state employees. The bill requires a FBI fingerprint-based criminal check through the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division for all employees working with cargo.
The tragic death of a port worker earlier this year prompted more a stringent screening program to be implemented. Archie Porcher of Cainhoy was charged with reckless homicide after being accused of running over 42-year-old Bill Hughes at the Port of Charleston on February 12th. Porcher had been previously convicted on armed robbery and drug charges.
