Criminal Report

Criminal Report

When ordering a Criminal Report on a job applicant, it’s important to understand the difference between database and hands-on court searches.

Database searches can often produce virtually instantaneous results by using web-based information to check Social Security numbers, terrorist watch lists, and statewide or nationwide criminal convictions. Employers should remember, however, that Internet data often varies from state to state and from locality to locality. Some jurisdictions might only provide felony convictions or only convictions over a specific time period. Others might include certain misdemeanors, while still others might add motor vehicle violations.

In short, ordering a Criminal Report utilizing information readily accessible on the Internet is a great place to start, but it does not provide the accuracy or timeliness of hands-on research conducted at a specific county courthouse. That type of search typically takes a bit longer – up to 72 hours in most cases. But, it provides a more thorough report to help prevent bad hiring decisions that could ultimately result in damaged business reputations and costly negligent-hiring lawsuits.