|
 |
|
The Dangers of an Instant Background CheckIncreasingly in the online background check arena, companies are using court information — scraped from digitized records — to compile databases that can be searched as an instant background check for individuals. However, in most states across the country, minor crimes that have been legally erased from citizens' criminal records will often show up in these private databases. These errors occur because the state has no ability to update them.
"Our goal is to provide employers a clear and accurate picture of their applicant’s past." said Debi Stevenson, the Director of Operations for PeopleCheck. "We also offer our clients training and support to ensure that they use this information in a correct and responsible fashion."
A person convicted of minor crimes can petition for expungement of that crime from their record. If the person has not committed another crime or has met a series of requirements established by a judge, the petition may be granted. That means that all records of the crime and conviction should be wiped out, as if it had never happened. As companies retrieve this information on a person's criminal record from an instant background check system, crimes may appear as if they are still on their record, but in reality the record has been expunged. This is a dangerous side effect of the fast and convenient instant background check. In order to avoid these mistakes PeopleCheck utilizes the most comprehensive searches available, direct from the state records, which have updated expungements.
Background Checks: More important than everThe use of background checks has become much more common, especially for employment purposes, since the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, according to the New York Times. The increasing amount of background checks makes proper screening practices more important than ever.
Many states still make criminal record data available only through individual county clerks' offices. PeopleCheck uses the county level courthouse search when necessary, in order to provide a complete picture of an applicant criminal history.
Instant background checks are not entirely dangerous, however, as they do provide information as a fast and convenient way to search multiple areas of the country without having to run an expensive statewide search on each. PeopleCheck uses instant background checks as an auxiliary search only, to ensure all jurisdictions are being covered by full statewide or county criminal checks. PeopleCheck also offers a Nationwide Warrant check that will allow you to check if there are any outstanding warrants on the individual.
Contact us to find out how PeopleCheck can provide your company with a screening process that protects you while maintaining the most accurate information available.
|
|
|
|
|
