HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks & Recreation Background Check Policy Effective August 30, 2012Parks and Recreation Background Check Policy
Effective August 30, 2012
Purpose: The intent of this policy is to protect the youth being served by volunteers and contracted
staff in youth recreation programs offered by the City of Milton ("City") and/or its partner volunteer
organizations.
Policy: It is the policy of the City that all individuals (18 and over) who work with or have any
contact with youth under the age of 18, in the capacity of Coach, Volunteer, Instructor, or Counselor
with any activity organized by or facilitated by the City and its partner volunteer organizations must
successfully complete a Criminal Background Check and be approved or denied by the Chief of
Police and/or his/her designee.
It is also the policy of the City that all individuals (18 and over) who work with or have any contact
with youth under the age of 18, in the l:apadty ofCoal:h, Voluntet::r, Instrul:toT, or Counselor with any
activity organized hy or facilitated by the City and its partner volunteer organizations must
successfully complete a City accepted training course on the responsibilities of the adult to identify
and report suspected child abuse. This is a one-time certification and proof of completion must be
submitted to the Director of Parks and Recreation.
Procedures:
A Background Chcck Consent Form and accompanied fee must be submitted to the City of Milton
Police Department.
After receipt of the background check form and fec, Milton Police Department will conduct a
background investigation, which may include checks with the Georgia Crime Information Center
(GCIC), the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), state sex offender registry, reference check
and criminal history. The results of the background investigation shall be reviewed by the Chief of
Police, and a recommendation made to the Director of Parks and Recreation and/or hislher designee
as to the approval or denial of Volunteer/Instructor status. All information gathered in the
background investigation will be kept confidential except as required by law.
Disqualification: No individual shall be eligible to serve as a volunteer!instmctor if the background
check reveals a criminal record for the offenses listed below. For the purposes of this policy, a
"criminal record" shall mean with respect to any of the offenses, a plea of guilty or nolo contendere, a
conviction, or placement in a pre-trial diversion program. No individual who has charges pending for
any of the offenses shall be digible to serve as a volunteer until the charges have been favorably
resolved. The screened offenses are as follows:
I1ltvllulm' ~~ *** :Certified~PHONE: 678.242.2500 I FAX: 678.242.2499 ...z:... CityOf~EthicsInfo@cltyofmlltonga.us I www.cltyofmlltonga.us .... !f~ ~13000 Deerfield Parkway, Suite 107 I Milton GA 30004 , , GfRf!f"H:::n OHONIE -~1It:.
1. any crimes against children, including but not limited to contributing to the delinquency of
a minor, or providing alcohol to someone underage;
2. any st!xual offenseg~
3. any offenses involving misdemeanor drugs within 5 years or felony drugs within 10 years
and/or being on probation or parole for any urug offense;
4. any 3f!.l offense ofDlJT;
5. any weapons violation
6. assault, battery or any other crime of violence
7. any offense involving lewd conduct
The above is intended to be illustrativc and is not inclusive of all offenses that could be included in
these criteria.
Approval: Any individual whose records fail to reveal a criminal record or a pending charge shall be
approved, unless denied based on some other policy of the City. Approvul shall be valid for a period
of not to exceed twelve (12) months. Individuals who successfully pass the City's background check
are not guaranteed a volunteer or instructor position with City or partner organizations. The
background check is just one step in the process.
Appeal: An individual disqualified by the Chief of Police may ask for an appeal. In order to proceed
with an appeal the disqualified applicant must obtain a letter of support from the entity he or she
wishes to volunteer/instruct with, which specifically vouches for the applicant's character and the
organizations support of the applicant being approved. The applicant must also submit a letter
explaining the circumstances around hislher criminal background.
Once the support letter is rt!ceived and the explanation letter written, the applicant may submit both
letters to the Office of the Chief of Police and reqnest an appeal. The applicant may be requested to
provide further documentaliun andlor to have an interview with the Chief.
After this appeal to the Chief, the Chief's decision will be finaL The Chief will note why the denial
was upheld or overturned to an approval. Applicants may reapply once they believe their background
meets the above criteria. This and all subsequent applications will incur a fee .
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