Questions have been raised about the state of Massachusetts' employee background check policy after an investigation found deficiencies in its criminal records search protocol, WFXT-TV reports.


The background screening system that is currently in place only checks whether an employee has a criminal history in the state, allowing out-of-state convictions to fly under the radar.

"We're the second chance state. … We'll overlook any kind of criminal activity you've ever had," said victim advocate Laurie Myers, as quoted by the news source. "Common sense dictates that we should do criminal background checks - why not take it a step further and do a national background check?"

Currently, the state only carries out national background checks on people applying for licenses to carry or deal firearms. The loophole allowed state contractor Maximus to hire a wanted fugitive who was charged with grand theft in Florida in 2002.

According to a June article by the news source, Simonetti - who used to manage a Blockbuster store in Naples, Florida - stole several deposit bags containing nearly $22,000 from her employer. She fled the state after being ordered to pay the money back.