Crimes Commited by Criminals

Each Wednesday, Liberty brings you Crimes Committed by Criminals, a feature intended to highlight the most important reason to screen for criminals.

Most persons arrested for criminal offenses have prior arrest records, and many have arrest records in more than one state.

(Federal Bureau of Investigation)

Mark Foster - A Knox, TN County school teacher accused to shooting two principals at Inskip Elementary School on February 17, 2010.

Foster's brother, Anthony Foster said, "There should have been an extensive background check."

Foster came background check came back clear at the time of his hire as a substitute teacher in 2007. The check did not go beyond a FBI fingerprint screen for arrests and convictions. It did not check Foster's previous employer references. Had those references been checked, Foster's brother, Anthony's email warning might have been found and the shootings prevented.