Massachusetts background investigation measures come up short

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.