Criminal Background Check For Employment

Employers often conduct criminal background checks as part of their hiring process to ensure a safe and secure workplace.

Employers often conduct criminal background checks as part of their hiring process to ensure a safe and secure workplace. These checks involve reviewing an individual’s criminal history, including any convictions or pending charges. Criminal background checks are becoming increasingly common across various industries, from healthcare to finance and beyond. In fact, according to the National Employment Law Project, up to 92% of employers now conduct some form of background check on job applicants.

However, not all criminal background checks are created equal. That’s where ScreeningWise.com comes in – ScreeningWise is a leading provider of background checks for employment, offering comprehensive reports that help employers make informed hiring decisions. In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of criminal background checks for employment, the types of checks available, and how to interpret the results. Let’s dive in!

What Is a Criminal Background Check?

A criminal background check is a process that involves reviewing an individual’s criminal history records. It can include information from local, state, and federal databases, as well as other sources such as court records and sex offender registries. The purpose of a criminal background check is to provide employers with a comprehensive picture of a job candidate’s criminal history, including any convictions or pending charges.

There are many types of criminal background checks available, ranging from basic to comprehensive. A basic criminal background check usually includes a search for felony and misdemeanour convictions, while a more comprehensive check may also include searches for sex offender registry records, civil court records, and driving records.

Criminal background checks are an essential tool for employers to ensure the safety and security of their workplace. By conducting thorough background checks, employers can help protect their employees and customers while also making sure they are hiring trustworthy and reliable candidates.

Criminal Background Check – What Information Shows Up?

The information that shows up on a criminal background check can vary depending on the type of check and the jurisdiction in which it’s conducted. However, in general, a criminal background check will reveal any criminal convictions or pending charges that an individual may have. This can include both felony and misdemeanour offences, as well as any relevant details such as the date of the offence, the nature of the offence, and the disposition of the case.

In addition to criminal convictions, a criminal background check may also reveal other information such as arrests, charges that were later dismissed or dropped, and certain types of civil court records. For example, if a job candidate has a history of civil litigation related to fraud or embezzlement, this may appear on a criminal background check and could be a red flag for employers.

It’s important to note that some information, such as juvenile records or expunged convictions, may not turn up on a criminal background check.

Who Can Check a Criminal Record?

In general, anyone can check a criminal record, as long as they have the legal authority to do so. The process for accessing criminal records can vary depending on the jurisdiction and the specific laws governing background checks in that area.

Employers are one of the most common groups that check criminal records, as they have a responsibility to ensure the safety and security of their workplace. Other organizations such as schools, volunteer organizations, and government agencies may also conduct background checks as part of their screening process.

Individuals can also request a copy of their own criminal record, either for personal use or to provide to a potential employer or other organization. This can be done through various channels, such as a state police department or other law enforcement agency.

It’s important to note that accessing someone’s criminal record without their consent or without a valid reason can be a violation of their privacy and may even be illegal. Therefore, it’s essential to follow proper procedures and legal requirements when conducting a criminal background check. By working with a reputable provider like ScreeningWise and following legal guidelines, employers can access reliable and relevant information to help them make informed hiring decisions.

The Process of Conducting Criminal Record Background Checks

The process of conducting a criminal record background check begins with obtaining the job candidate’s consent and authorization to conduct the check. This is done by having the candidate fill out and sign a release form that allows the employer or background check provider to access their criminal record.

The ScreeningWise software automates the consent process. Just click and send.

Once the candidate has provided consent, the employer or background check provider will initiate the background check by accessing various databases and sources of information. This may include local, state, and federal criminal records, as well as other sources such as sex offender registries, driving records, and credit reports.

The amount of time it takes to complete a criminal record background check can vary depending on the type of check and the jurisdiction in which it’s conducted. For example, a basic criminal record check may take only a few hours to complete, while a more comprehensive check that includes searches of multiple databases and sources of information may take several days or even weeks to complete.

Some background checks, like Employment and Education Verifications, are a manual process, so can take a bit longer.

Once the background check is complete, the employer will review the results and make a determination about the candidate’s suitability for the position. It’s important to note that under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), employers must follow certain procedures when using background checks in their hiring process, including providing the candidate with a copy of the report and giving them an opportunity to dispute any inaccuracies.

How to Review Criminal Search Results

Reviewing the results of a criminal background check can be a complex and sensitive process, as it involves making important hiring decisions based on potentially sensitive information. As such, it’s important to approach the process with care and diligence to ensure that you are making informed and fair decisions.

First and foremost, it’s important to verify the accuracy of the information presented in the criminal search results. This can involve cross-checking the results against other sources of information and conducting further research if there are any discrepancies or red flags.

It’s also important to understand the nature and severity of any criminal convictions or charges that are revealed in the background check. For example, a minor traffic violation may be less concerning than a felony conviction for fraud, theft or even a violent crime.

When reviewing criminal search results, it’s also important to consider any relevant legal requirements or restrictions related to hiring individuals with criminal records. Depending on the jurisdiction and the nature of the offense, there may be certain restrictions or limitations on hiring individuals with criminal records, particularly for certain types of positions such as those involving children, vulnerable populations, or sensitive information.

It’s essential to treat all candidates fairly and consistently throughout the hiring process, regardless of their criminal history. This means avoiding any biases or assumptions based on the results of the criminal background check and making hiring decisions based on the candidate’s qualifications, skills, and experience.