Arlington County is “banning the box” on county employment applications, eliminating questions about criminal convictions. While these questions do not automatically disqualify applicants, they can be a barrier to employment for anyone with a criminal record, negatively impacting millions of Americans. An estimated 65 million adults in the U.S. currently have a criminal record.
More than 50 jurisdictions around the country and at least 10 states already have “banned the box,” choosing to ask the question later in the interview and hiring process. Arlington joins Virginia localities such as the City of Alexandria, Newport News, Norfolk, Petersburg, Portsmouth and Richmond in this initiative.
Beginning Nov. 3, Arlington will be:
Eliminating the question regarding criminal convictions on the initial application, for positions not related to public safety.
Eliminating the question regarding a DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) or DUI (Driving Under the Influence) conviction on the initial application, provided the position does not rely on driving as a part of the job, such as a CDL (commercial) driver or public safety.
Questions regarding criminal convictions may still be asked at the time of the interview. Non-public safety candidates may be required to sign a statement that they have had no convictions in the last three years, or if they do have a conviction, they may provide a written explanation regarding the offense.