Debunking the Myth of National Criminal Search

What do the following have in common: "National Criminal Search", "Multijurisdictional Search", "Bigfoot", "National Crime Information Service"?

Did I hear you answer they are all myths? Correct!

None of the above searches exists, but many background screening providers will try to convince you that they do and will have you believe they are all you need for a background check. Let's put this myth to bed right now!

ConcernedCRAs (www.concernedcras.com), a consortium of honorable Consumer Reporting Agencies (or, background screening firms) who maintain the highest standards of truth in business, have taken it as their aim to make sure employers know the strengths and weaknesses of these sorts of database searches. As a member of ConcernedCRAs, SingleSource Services is committed to setting the matter straight.

To start with, the only truly national criminal record database -- i.e, the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) -- is kept by the FBI. It is only accessible by law enforcement and government officials, or once in awhile by others when mandated by state or federal legislation. As such, employers and agencies needing to do background screening do not typically have access to the NCIC database.

If not actually a "National Search", then what are they? For the most part, they are a compilation of records from the Department of Corrections, States, Counties, and other exclusive sources. Of the databases resold for employment purposes, NONE actually have a "National" records capability, since by "National" we really mean every single jurisdiction. Based upon how much data was bought, there may be a little bit of difference to the content, but not too much. But, they all fail to meet the requirements of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), as the data is not the most up-to-date.

On a good note, though, most of these databases do contain an essential component of any screening for employment purposes -- namely, the records of all states' Sex Offender databases. This is particularly important for assignments in which contact is made with children, the elderly, or otherwise vulnerable individuals. Fortunately, this data is quite up-to-date.

Thus, certain precautions should be made for using these databases:

1) The jurisdictions covered should be completely divulged, because data is added daily and the list of jurisdictions searched for the individual may be required for later reference.

2) Know how often the database is updated.

3) Until confirmation can be made at the source of origin (e.g., the county court of jurisdiction), no action should be taken on records found.

Many concerns surround the FCRA and the obligations for taking adverse action based upon a consumer report. This will be the subject for our next article.

Start working with an ethical and innovative vendor for your ource_Services">background screening, e_Services">employment verification, and other HR outsourcing needs. Call toll-free 800-713-3412 or visit us today at http://www.singlesourceservices.com/

Donald J. Dymer, MBA, is a former Inspector with London's Scotland Yard and licensed Private Investigator. He is the founder of SingleSource Services and has given expert witness testimony in negligent hiring cases.