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What You Need to Know About Getting a Criminal Background Check?

You need to know some things about getting a criminal background check. These include the checks you can do and the safest places to do them. Among the best ways to do a criminal background check are by obtaining a fingerprinted record, a motor vehicle report/driver abstract, a credit and bankruptcy check, and education verification. However, it would be best if you also understood that false positives are possible when attempting a name-based review.

1. Fingerprints

Fingerprints are an essential part of a criminal background check. They are used to verify an individual’s identity and are typically taken after an arrest. But not all arrests require a fingerprint, and not all crimes will appear on a fingerprint background check. There are two main types of fingerprints. 

These include criminal and civil fingerprints. Criminal fingerprints are associated with incarceration and misdemeanor or felony arrests. In addition, a person’s criminal fingerprints may be included in their arrest record if they legally purchased a gun. Unlike criminal fingerprints, civil fingerprints aren’t always included in criminal records. 

However, they can be accessed by third parties who search public databases for a person’s name and other demographic information. Most fingerprints are captured digitally using scanners. This is much faster and more accurate than traditional methods. During a background screening, the person’s fingerprints are compared with the database to see if they match. If there are discrepancies, the fingerprints are returned. For most applications, the results are returned within 24 hours.

2. Credit and bankruptcy check

If you are considering applying for a job involving financial management, you may wonder if a bankruptcy check is necessary. However, this type of background check is optional for some positions. 

Many employers are OK with bankruptcy on your background. They are more interested in your work history and criminal record. But it’s still a good idea to inform prospective employers. 

It’s also a good idea, to be honest about it. While it may not be something you want to reveal to an employer, it’s a good idea to explain the circumstances of your bankruptcy. If you were in a difficult financial situation, you might not have been able to avoid declaring bankruptcy. 

However, if you were responsible for your finances, your default should have no adverse effect on your credit. Knowing that a bankruptcy check is only sometimes the best way to determine if you can rent an apartment or get a car loan is essential. Landlords, for example, often do a comprehensive background check before making a decision. Rather than simply looking at your credit report, they’ll consider your income and ability to pay the rent.

3. Motor vehicle report/driver abstract

One of the best ways to get a handle on prospective employees is to run a criminal background check on their driving records. The information compiled in this document can tell you if they are a safe driver or if there is a more significant risk soon. It’s also a good idea to find out if they have a clean driving record. 

You can find this out by requesting a copy of their driving record from the DMV. Depending on your location, you may have a day or two to wait for your report. If you’re in a hurry, you can call the DMV and have them order you a copy of your driver’s record on the spot. 

DMV report is one of the quickest and easiest ways to get a handle on a potential employee’s record. Obtaining your motor vehicle report is easy, but you’ll have to do your homework and be prepared to cough up some dough. In the end, the cost of the information you receive will be far outweighed by the peace of mind it will bring.

4. Education verification and employment verification

Education verification is a crucial component of a comprehensive employment background check. It’s essential to check a potential hire’s credentials to determine if they are qualified for the job and to protect the company from liability. Education verification is a great way to ensure your candidate is honest during the interview process. 

Some candidates may embellish their qualifications to obtain a job, so it’s essential to take the time to verify their credentials. For example, ask for the applicant’s full legal name, school name, or the month or year of their degree or diploma earned. You could also request more detailed information if it pertains to the position. 

The good news is that education verification is more manageable than many employers think.  Most jobs require a minimum level of education. However, some positions may require higher-level degrees. Some roles have specific salary tiers. Obtaining a degree from a diploma mill is not as rare. These organizations sell fake documentation of degrees, and they are unaccredited.

5. False positives can occur in name-based checks

There are two main types of background checks: name-based and fingerprint-based. A name-based search will show someone’s past employment, driving history, and criminal charges. This is one of the most common checks, but it needs to be more accurate. Applicants can have the same name as another person, resulting in a false positive. 

Additionally, there can be errors in the names on criminal databases. Fingerprint-based checks are more expensive and take longer to complete, but they are more accurate. They are also more reliable. The best fingerprint-based checks will search through the National Repository of Criminal Records, run by the RCMP. 

Final Words

It is the gold standard for criminal record checks. If you’re looking to hire someone in a government position or with sensitive information, you may need to perform a fingerprint-based criminal history check. However, this type of check is only sometimes required. Some states do not require employers to provide this type of check.

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