In an era where entertainment productions are frequently under intense public and media scrutiny, ensuring safety and trust in every aspect of production is essential. One critical element in maintaining safety, protecting participants, and safeguarding production teams is the implementation of rigorous screen checks—a process that involves comprehensive background checks of individuals involved in the production. A recent incident on the popular reality show The Bachelorette once again highlighted the significant role that these checks play in protecting the integrity of a production.

Devin Strader, a contestant on the 2024 season, was arrested after being accused of violating a restraining order. This case brought into focus the serious responsibility that producers and casting directors bear when selecting participants for high-profile shows. The breach of trust that occurred in this situation underscores the need for robust background screening processes.

The Devin Strader Case: A Lesson for the Industry

As reported by Deadline, Strader was arrested following allegations that he violated an existing restraining order, leading to questions about how background checks are handled in high-stakes, high-profile productions like The Bachelorette. While the incident involving Strader might seem like an isolated event, it serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with inadequate background checks. Not only does such an event put the physical and emotional well-being of participants at risk, but it also tarnishes the public image of the production.

This case highlights a fundamental truth: it is not enough to simply conduct basic criminal background checks. Productions, particularly those with millions of viewers, need to go beyond the surface to understand the full scope of a contestant’s history.

While many may focus solely on criminal records, other forms of background checks—such as verifying personal behavior patterns, social media history, and past relationships—are equally crucial. Strader’s case demonstrated that a singular focus on criminal activity alone does not sufficiently address the broader issues that can impact the safety of others involved in the production.

What Are Screen Checks?

Screen checks are an integral part of the process used to vet individuals for potential participation in projects, particularly those that will be viewed by large audiences. These checks can encompass a wide variety of background information to assess whether a person is fit to participate in the production. At their core, screen checks typically involve criminal record checks, credit history, employment verification, and even a deeper look into a person’s professional background.

For the entertainment industry, this process is especially important because of the high visibility and direct interaction that contestants or employees have with both the production team and the public. When the stakes are so high, the safety of every participant—including cast, crew, and viewers—must come first.

In addition to verifying criminal history, comprehensive screening should include investigation into personal behaviors that could be considered a risk in a high-pressure environment. This may involve psychological evaluations, interviews with references or past employers, and perhaps even considering the emotional fitness of a participant, especially in environments such as reality TV, where heightened emotions are a regular occurrence.

The Need for Stricter Protocols

The Devin Strader incident has brought to light the vulnerabilities that exist in current screen check protocols in the entertainment industry. The lesson here is clear: entertainment productions need to establish and adhere to more rigorous, thorough, and comprehensive background screening procedures.

While many productions rely on basic criminal background checks, such screenings often overlook other critical factors such as personal history, abuse allegations, or patterns of problematic behavior. By broadening the scope of checks, producers can gain a better understanding of the individuals they are bringing onto their sets, ultimately preventing situations that could jeopardize the safety and reputation of the production.

Furthermore, it’s not just about the actors or contestants. The staff and crew members who are involved behind the scenes also need to undergo similar scrutiny. For example, production assistants, camera operators, and anyone who has direct access to the cast should also be subject to comprehensive screening to prevent potential issues from arising.

The Role of Background Screening Companies

Specialized background screening companies, such as Merrill Herzog’s: ScreenCheck, provide an invaluable service to the entertainment industry. These companies offer much more than the typical criminal background check—they conduct extensive research into an individual’s history, ensuring a thorough vetting process that extends far beyond just criminal records.

In addition to criminal background and credit checks, these services can provide valuable insights into an individual’s history in previous roles, work relationships, and behavior. This approach helps production teams and casting directors make informed decisions, reducing the risk of a safety breach or public scandal down the line.

Screening companies also bring their expertise in dealing with large-scale productions, ensuring that the checks are both quick and thorough, without disrupting the production timeline. In many cases, these companies have the resources to handle large numbers of participants, such as those in reality TV shows, and can provide a streamlined process that is both efficient and reliable.

Maintaining Public Image and Trust

In the highly competitive and visibility-driven entertainment industry, reputation is everything. A single incident can cause irreparable damage to the public trust and undermine the efforts of everyone involved in a production. Implementing effective and comprehensive background checks is not just about preventing harm—it is also about maintaining a strong, trustworthy public image.

For reality TV producers, maintaining the integrity of their brand is essential to securing future seasons and building a loyal audience. The public demands transparency, and when a scandal like the Strader incident occurs, it raises questions about the integrity of the casting and selection process. By ensuring that each participant has undergone a thorough vetting process, producers can help maintain their reputation and trust with their audience.

Moreover, producers and casting directors need to establish clear communication with both their audience and the contestants. By being transparent about the screening processes, they can assure everyone involved that the steps being taken prioritize safety, fairness, and professionalism.

To Wrap Up: The Need for Improved Selection Protocols

The arrest of Devin Strader serves as a cautionary tale for the entertainment industry. It underscores the urgent need for more stringent, well-rounded background screening protocols to ensure the safety and security of everyone involved in a production. By implementing a more comprehensive approach that includes criminal checks, personal history reviews, and psychological assessments, production teams can significantly reduce the risk of harmful incidents.

By working with professional background screening companies, productions can ensure that they are making informed decisions and keeping their sets safe. As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, so too must the procedures that protect those within it. Ultimately, thorough screening is not just a precaution—it’s a responsibility that producers must take seriously to maintain both the safety of their participants and the trust of their audience.