Conducting Criminal Background Checks : Free Searches vs. Paying for a Service
The federal constitution provides a constitutional guarantee for United States citizens to access certain information in criminal records. Because specific state legislation is required for the implementation of that constitutional right, there is not a nationwide database available to the public even in our technologically sophisticated society.
Finding information is still possible if you are willing to search multiple places. First and foremost, verify the person’s identity before beginning a search. In order to locate those incarcerated in a federal prison, you can search the database at the Federal Bureau of Prisons’ website. Sex offenders released from prison are tracked on Family Watch Dog’s website. A more intensive search may include searching separate databases of state correctional facilities, police records, and court records.
It is quite possible you may require additional information in your search such as a person’s date of birth and social security number. Searches conducted for employment require the applicant be notified that a criminal background check is being conducted and also give the applicant access to the public information they gathered.
Criminal background searches conducted on your own for free through online searches may prove to be very time consuming and frustrating. However, you may feel that the free public information services are adequate for your needs especially if it satisfies your curiosity or failure to find complete data would not threaten your business, yourself or your family.
On the other hand, if your business, you or your family could be potentially threatened by hiring a particular individual and finding accurate reliable information is imperative, you may not have the time to wade through the massive amount of information available for free online.
It is also very important to realize that free services available online may not have the latest information available to you. The free services will not have analysts or customer service persons to help you with your queries.
There are fee-based on-line criminal background record search companies. The quality of a company’s database and the extent of the detail of the research you want will drive the fee. There are state and nationwide searches available. A typical annual nationwide search fee averages $40.
You should review why you want to conduct a criminal records search. Are you just curious? Are you hiring someone that will handle money? Are you hiring someone that will work with children? Are you bringing on a tenant? Determine the consequences of inaccurate information. Decide whether it is worth the time, effort and risk of not discovering accurate information through a free search. And, ultimately decide if you should pay for a qualified search.
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