Answer

What are the most common types of criminal background checks?

A criminal history check reveals detailed information regarding an individual’s county, state, and federal criminal history. Each record varies by the type of information it searches for and the results that are returned.

1) County background checks, or county criminal history search results, include information about criminal cases filed only in the county ordered.

2) State background checks, or statewide criminal history search results, include information as reported to a state by counties within the state. Results may include case number, offense type, date of offense, disposition date/specifics, and confirmation of the current disposition.

3) Federal background checks, or federal criminal history search results, include criminal court record information that can be accessed via one or more of the 94 U.S. Federal District courts across the United States.

Organizations owe it to themselves and their customers to research the background of potential employees and volunteers to ensure the safety of other employees, customers, and their property. The most effective method to accomplish this is by conducting thorough background checks. The costs of fraud, embezzlement, theft, and violence are a multi-billion dollar drain on our economy, bleeding organizations both large and small. One of the most compelling reasons organizations now conduct background checks is to uncover deception or fraud. For example, it can confirm whether an individual provided accurate information on his/her resume or application. Depending on the industry, some form of background investigation may be required, whether because it is mandated by law or because their insurance company demands it.

DISA is a member of the National Association of Professional Background Screeners (NAPBS) and can help ensure that your hiring practices are consistent and compliant with your industry needs. DISA provides a comprehensive line of background check services, which are fully automated and can easily be combined with a drug and alcohol testing program or other service offerings.

Employers can look for a variety of things in a background check including but not limited to education/employment verification, SSN/i9 checks, or prior federal, state, or county convictions. Although employers can customize their background check policies, depending on the industry or state laws, they have to abide by certain practices to maintain compliance.