As global terrorism and violence have become a strong reality in our current era, security has developed as a focal issue for companies and organizations that seek to hire talent from other countries and/or establish operations abroad.  In response, the representatives of the global background investigation and screening community have formed an international alliance designed to facilitate collaboration and networking among screening firms on all continents, and in countries as diverse as Canada and India.

According to Barry Nixon, Chairman of the newly formed International Committee and longstanding member of the National Association of Professional Background Screeners (NAPBS) -- the lead organization in the effort -- international background investigations represent the next big frontier for screening firms.  A renowned expert on workplace violence prevention and background screening, Nixon says, “The new energy and focus around this whole international investigations space is representative of a major growth area within our industry.  The push for business globalization has prompted firms to screen candidates coming in from other countries.  Over the past five years, there has been only a few background screening firms conducting investigations on an international level; while today, the ranks have swelled into the hundreds.”

The committee is establishing an international network of background investigation and screening firms in order to create a “universal opportunity” for these entities to accurately understand the processes, logistics and laws of conducting international investigations.  Serving as a communications hub for participating firms and service providers, the committee will also stimulate the development of country-specific applicable guidelines and standards to mitigate the need for unnecessary government regulations.  We also hope to increase the visibility of the growing need for background investigations worldwide.

According to Robert Capwell, Vice-Chair of the Committee and NAPBS Board Member, the initiative is a timely one.  Capwell says, “With the exponential growth associated with international investigations comes the challenges posed by the huge influx of firms entering the market.  Having taken the lead in the United States -- a region that has certainly been vulnerable to the threat of violence and terrorism -- in establishing customs and best practices that have proven successful, NAPBS looks forward to the unique opportunity that the International Committee affords us to collaborate with others who share our mission and goals of creating a safe workplace for all employees.”

NAPBS invites firms involved in background screening, investigations and vetting around the world to join this historic effort.