How Online Criminal Background Checks Work
How do Online Criminal Background Checks work? Today there are literally hundreds of companies selling “Online Criminal Background Checks”. For $7 to $30 dollars you can run a check on any one by only providing the basic information on the subject. But are you getting what you are paying for? This article will detail the different types of checks, what they will expose, and what are their short comings. Before you place someone into a position of trust, you should know who it is that you are really trusting.
Standard Online Internet Based Check
You have seen the Google Ads. “Instant Criminal Background Check $9.95”. Is it too good to be true? Yes it is. These type of checks only require that you provide the name and location of the subject. The website has a script which then queries various online databases which are available to the public. If the name of the person requested if found in the online public system, then it will pull that information. If the information concerning the offense is not accessible then it will not be provided. This type of check allows for “False Clearances”. You would be better off directly calling the local police department of each city where the person has worked/resided and asking them directly. These type of checks are a waste of money and will cause more harm than good.
Federal and State Database Check
This type of check typically is not available to the public to check their friends, acquaintences, colleagues. With a Federal/State Database check typically the one checking ordering the check has to have proof of the subjects identity (a copy of their driver’s license or passport) and a signed release authorizing the checker to run the Criminal Background Check. These checks are common for employment and volunteerism connected with Children and the Elderly. The company which is authorized to access the Federal and State Databases will enter the person’s full name, as provided by the identity document, their social security number, and date of birth into the system check. The system will access every State and Federal Criminal Database. From this check any Conviction which has not been sealed or expunged from the Database will be revealed. Some times arrests and dismissals might not show up due to the reporting procedures of the Criminal Court System where the offense occurred. This type of check is usually fine for employment concerns but for more sensitive positions where the person has access to valuable/privileged information, or children this type of check will leave some gaps of exposure.
FBI Fingerprint Background Check
This type of criminal background check, FBI Criminal Background Check, is the mother of all checks. It requires that a fingerprint card be completed for the subject. The fingerprint card is then submitted by the authorized party to the FBI. The FBI will scan the prints and run them through their Database System. This run will reveal every offense, arrest, dismissal, conviction, expunged/sealed or not that has been recorded. Misdemeanors and Felonies are revealed in this type of check. So if a record has been sealed or expunged, the FBI Fingerprint Background Check will provide the full details of the offense. The process takes 1 to 3 months for the prints to clear and be processed by the FBI.
So what should an employer or church do? Run both the Federal Database Check and the FBI Fingerprint Card Check. MinistrySafeCheck.com provides both type of checks. The price is higher for this than standard checks but it is worth is when you consider what the cost will be if a substandard check does not reveal offenses which would of assisted you in limiting access of the subject form areas which they have a propensity to offend.
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Posted under Background Checks Criminal Records
This post was written by assistant on November 14, 2010
