Criminal Searches
What information is pulled in these background checks?
Exploring a candidate’s criminal history often begins with a national criminal background check, drawing from a vast pool of databases across state and county agencies nationwide. This comprehensive search serves as an initial step, guiding employers to potential areas for more detailed screenings. It’s crucial to note that a national background check isn’t synonymous with a federal one; the former covers state and county records, while the latter focuses on federal crimes.
National Criminal Search
The outcomes of a national background check are extensive but not exhaustive. Convictions, spanning felonies to misdemeanors, pending cases, and law enforcement interactions without convictions, may surface. Felonies such as rape or murder and misdemeanors like vandalism may be disclosed. Additionally, infractions like noise disturbances, littering, or jaywalking may appear, usually resulting in fines or community service.
While this broad search provides valuable insights, its purpose often lies in highlighting potential records, prompting a deeper dive. Employers frequently complement national checks with county criminal background searches, especially when preliminary findings necessitate further investigation.
County Criminal Search
The scope of information in a national background check can extend beyond a candidate’s current residence, offering additional locations for scrutiny. Although it is advisable to start with a candidate’s home county and state based on their current address, a national check may flag records, prompting further examination in various locations.
However, the national database’s results may lack some details found in county records, such as complete identifying information or case disposition. To address this, a subsequent county criminal history search becomes essential for a more comprehensive understanding. A county search is one that is done manually – thus there is more control over how deep into the records you can go. A county criminal search is usually best paired with the national criminal search for the most accurate results on a candidate’s criminal background.
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