Thursday, October 14, 2004
Employee Screening - Nationwide Search
Prospective clients that are new to pre-employment screening often ask me if there is a nationwide criminal database search that will provide them with an accurate background check on a prospective employee. Unfortunately, the simple answer is, "No." The United States Court System is very decentralized. Their is no information system that links our Country's 3,000 County-level Courts. Furthermore, there is no standardization in terms of technology or record reporting. Some States do provide a “Statewide Repository,” so that County-level records can be aggregated at the State-level. However, the accuracy and comprehensiveness of State Repository records depends entirely on the comprehensiveness and frequency of updates from the County-level Courts. While some Counties are very diligent in reporting records to the State, many do not report the information in a timely or complete manner. This severely limits the usefulness of Statewide Repositories.
Some pre-employment screening companies (including Inquest Screening) offer a "Nationwide Criminal Search", but this service does not include all States and is done by searching aggregated databases, not the Court System. These databases have the same problems as Statewide Repositories, as they rely on County courts to submit their records. Many of the courts do not participate, and if they do participate, the records are often outdated.
The best way to use the Nationwide Criminal Search is as a supplement to County-level Court searches. The Nationwide Search will help you cast a wide net across the country, and can help to identify criminal offenses outside of the candidate’s County of residence or employment. Again, because the quality of information from aggregated databases is questionable, it is always a good idea to verify any criminal record found in the "Natiowide Search", by performing a Court search in the County identified.
Some pre-employment screening companies (including Inquest Screening) offer a "Nationwide Criminal Search", but this service does not include all States and is done by searching aggregated databases, not the Court System. These databases have the same problems as Statewide Repositories, as they rely on County courts to submit their records. Many of the courts do not participate, and if they do participate, the records are often outdated.
The best way to use the Nationwide Criminal Search is as a supplement to County-level Court searches. The Nationwide Search will help you cast a wide net across the country, and can help to identify criminal offenses outside of the candidate’s County of residence or employment. Again, because the quality of information from aggregated databases is questionable, it is always a good idea to verify any criminal record found in the "Natiowide Search", by performing a Court search in the County identified.
