Local Illinois police departments did not know about the Department of Children and Family Services’ State Central Register, but may add it to background checklists used when hiring new officers.
“I don’t know what criteria (DCFS) uses, what the investigation involves or who did it,” said Normal Police Chief Kent Crutcher. “It might be a good tool to have, but I’ll want to do more research.”
McLean County Sheriff Mike Emery said pre-employment screenings involve a battery of tests and background checks, but does not currently include the DCFS registry. It’s unlikely the sheriff’s department would hire a person whose name is on the DCFS list, he added.
“This would be an indication this isn’t a top-notch candidate,” said Emery.
Bloomington Police Chief Randy McKinley also did not know about the registry and said the department does not have a policy for handling an officer who is placed on the list.
DCFS spokesman Kendall Marlow said the register is a database that stems from DCFS hotline and child protection investigations. Names are added when an investigation finds “credible evidence to substantiate an allegation.”
No criminal charges have to be filed for a person’s name to be placed on the list. Marlow said DCFS has a lower standard of proof than that used by authorities in a criminal investigation.
The list is confidential, he added, but certain professions, including child welfare agencies, are required to request a registry check on any potential new employees. DCFS requires consent from the prospective worker before it can run the check.
Marlow said others who have requested checks include hospitals, school districts and park districts.
“There are a wide variety of employers being smart across the state,” he said.