§ 38-22. Driver background checks.

(a)

All companies shall annually perform or cause to be performed background checks on driver applicants and drivers to ensure all drivers comply with the standards pursuant to both the provisions of this chapter as well as the rules and regulations of PMZ.

(b)

The methodology of driver background checks shall include a local and national criminal background check for each driver applicant, which shall include:

(1)

Multi-state/multi-jurisdictional criminal records locator or other similar nationwide database criminal history record check to determine if a person has been arrested for and/or convicted of a crime with validation (primary source search), which shall include a social security trace or other similar identification check—such as a fingerprint check by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (F.B.I.)—to identify additional relevant information about applicants, including: first name, last name, middle name or initial, aliases, maiden name, alternate spellings, and nicknames; date of birth; Social Security Number; and any known addresses;

(2)

Any records search which bases jurisdictional criminal record searches on identified places of residence shall additionally require identical records searches for Jefferson, Orleans, St. Bernard, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Plaquemines, and St. Charles Parishes;

(3)

Results or findings of such a search must be confirmed with the jurisdiction or court system to determine disposition of proceedings;

(4)

National Sex Offender Registry database; and

(5)

A driving record check to verify compliance with the provisions of this chapter.

(c)

The details of the background check methodology to be used by a company in the certification of its drivers shall be provided to PMZ at the time of company application to operate within unincorporated Jefferson Parish. This detailed methodology must be presented in writing and shall meet or exceed the standards provided above in subsection (b) Further, the company must notify PMZ of any changes to its methodology and receive prior approval from PMZ before implementing such changes.

(d)

Criteria used by the company in evaluating criminal records shall be consistent across all drivers and driver applicants. Differing criteria in the evaluation of background check results may not be applied based upon: race, color, religion, gender, pregnancy-status, national origin, age, disability, or sexual orientation.

(e)

A company shall maintain records of all criminal background and driving record checks performed on all employed/contracted drivers operating in unincorporated Jefferson Parish for a period of no less than three (3) years. If PMZ requests access to such records, the company or its designee must provide the records within twenty-four (24) hours of the request. Such records may only be accessed when a complaint number has been generated by the parish or the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office. Failure to conduct criminal background and driving record checks or failure to maintain or provide, upon request, the results of such criminal background and driving records check as required shall be grounds for the suspension/revocation of a company permit.

(Ord. No. 25219 , § 1, 9-21-16)