Legal Question in Employment Law in California

background check for employment

I recently applied to a police department for an entry position job. They are now conducting an personal background check on me, and wanted my username and password to my Myspace. I gave it to them because I thought it was required for the position but am now questioning whether it's legal or not. Can you please help me? Thanks! I live in Orange Country if that helps with the law.


Asked on 8/16/07, 3:10 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
Robert F. Cohen Law Office of Robert F. Cohen

Re: background check for employment

I do not believe that they need the password. They would have a right to investigate any postings you might have made on MySpace, however.

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Answered on 8/16/07, 4:30 am
Michael Kirschbaum Law Offices of Michael R. Kirschbaum

Re: background check for employment

Any job working for a law enforcement agency will require a far more thorough background check than a normal job, and they have the right to request it. I have long advised people to be very careful what they post on the internet because it may well come back to haunt them. MySpace has caused many people to lose their jobs because their employers don't like what they see about their employee. In most cases, this is perfectly legal.

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Answered on 8/16/07, 4:46 pm


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