This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Report Shows Ex-Cons Can Get Hired As Uber Drivers
Uber may be the faddiest of the new car services available in major cities, but apparently having a criminal record is no obstacle for becoming a driver.
An NBC4 investigation used a woman named Beverly Locke, who has a violent criminal record, to become an Uber driver. Though Locke says in the report that she no longer engages in criminal activity, she admits she once pulled a girl out of a car and nearly beat her to death.
Despite still being on probation, she was hired by Uber after a four-week period. Uber’s email to Locke reads: “Congratulations, your background check has cleared.”
Uber says its drivers undergo an extensive background check and that they disqualify anyone with a criminal record in the past seven years. But the investigation found several several other Uber drivers with criminal records as well, though they don't specify how long ago those crimes occurred. Sounds like Uber could be in danger of gouging customers in more ways than one.
See the whole report below:
-
It's been many, many years since we saw this much snow in our mountains. Going up there right now isn't safe, but here are some places where you can enjoy the view and snap a pic.
-
April Valentine died at Centinela Hospital. Her daughter was born by emergency C-section. She'd gone into the pregnancy with a plan, knowing Black mothers like herself were at higher risk.
-
A look at years past when snows creeped into our citified neighborhoods, away from the mountains and foothills.
-
-
In the face of a drier future, that iconic piece of Americana is on its way out in Southern California.
-
Another Missing Hiker Has Been Found Dead In San Gabriels As Search For Actor Julian Sands ContinuesBob Gregory, 62, went missing the same day as Sands. His body was recovered near Mount Islip.