Industry Group Calls for Background Checks on Field Service Workers.(Society of Independent Representatives)

New York -- The voting members of SIRs - the Society of Independent Representatives - approved changes to membership requirements to include the requirement that all members be pre-screened with a criminal background check and have no felony arrests or convictions to become and remain a SIRs member.

Additionally, those offering property preservation services will be required to become certified by means of the SIRs property preservation exam prior to applying for membership, the organization said.

In recent years, the field service industry has experienced an influx of a great many field providers. There are numerous seeking their self-employment for various reasons including but not limited to the changing economic climate, a desire to cash in on the rising foreclosure rates, and/or the inability to become otherwise employed due to their drug addictions and/or felony criminal backgrounds.

As end-clients find additional needs for contracted field services, risk exposure has become apparent. The criminal background clearance has been gradually entering the industry as lenders and insurers become more selective in choosing providers from the ever-growing list, the organization said.

SIRs has chosen to implement the pre-screening of members to provide a readily available source of inspectors and property preservationists of proven good character. Beginning with 2007, all SIRs members will be already proven as having a clear criminal background. With a SIRs member, clients will know the contractor hired to knock ...