In the headlines recently is the sordid story of an alarm installation gone bad. The case is set in Riverhead, N.Y., just south of the Long Island Sound. It began with a high-end residential install that featured motion detectors and a home CCTV system that featured tiny, hidden cameras. The job was performed by a local firm, Safeguard Alarm Co., and installed by Daniel Pelosi, who is now accused of murdering the multimillionaire banker whose home he had recently "secured." More twisted than that, Pelosi then wed the widow of the murdered banker.

While Pelosi hasn't been convicted yet -- he is currently on trial, it underscores the value of knowing who your employees are. SecurityInfoWatch.com shared this story with Louise Urbanek, vice president of human resources for Pittsburgh-based Vector Security, which provides services for both residential and commercial security. We recently spoke with Urbanek to get her thoughts on employee background screening. From what she tells us, you'd be foolish not to do extensive checks on all your employees.

SIW: What is the background check policy at Vector Security?

Urbanek: We at Vector do criminal background investigations for all our new hires. It does not matter who they are -- vice president, front desk, or installer -- they are checked. We check every applicant. If we consider three possible applicants, we will do checks on all of them. We do an all-inclusive check with federal and state felony records included as it helps us make our hiring decision. We also do a pre-employment drug screening.

SIW: In terms of hiring delays, what can a company expect in turn-around time for background and drug usage checks?

Urbanek: The background checks usually take two to three days, and the drug test usually takes two to three days as well once you factor in obtaining and shipping the specimen. We do drug tests for pre-employment purposes, and for post-accident tests, and "for cause" or reasonable suspicion tests, and we also have a random testing program.

SIW: What can HR managers at security companies expect in terms of cost?

Urbanek: A driving report costs us about $16. The background check costs between $35 and $50. The drug test costs $48.

SIW: With Vector, your company has multiple locations. How does the background research work? Is it done via the corporate office or at the individual locations?