For years, Uber has been criticized for being lax in its background checks for its drivers. In 2015 alone, prosecutors claimed that the ride-hailing app employed 25 drivers with criminal records in California. One of these drivers had been imprisoned for 26 years for a second-degree murder conviction.
In an effort to align itself with the 2014 voter-approved measure called "Proposition 47," the company is giving applicants a second chance at life. Uber recently announced that they will intentionally be relaxing its screening requirements for Uber drivers. This way, they can give non-violent criminals an opportunity to be part of the community and rebuild their lives.
According to Uber's Chief Security Officer, Joe Sullivan, this opportunity enables the company to engage with the community. They are pleased with this decision as it helps give everyone "a fair chance," something that Sullivan suggests everyone else should do.
In addition to the announcement, Uber is doing its best to be more transparent about the application process. It does this by explaining the reason behind the rejection to applicants with a criminal felony conviction and give them advices on how their sentence can be decreased to a misdemeanor. They are also willing to give recommendations to organizations such as Defy Ventures, which work in helping former inmates a second chance at life through entrepreneurship training.
Uber's announcement has left everyone with mixed reactions. While there are some that are pleased with how Uber is giving convicts another chance at rebuilding their lives, there are others who worry about passenger safety.
Unfortunately, not everyone will be able to go behind the wheel of an Uber car. The company will still deny prospective drivers who have previously been convicted of a violent or sexual offense. This also goes out to applicants with a felony or a driving-related misdemeanor.
