Background checks are usually performed on a new hire when they accept the job offer, but before they begin. A criminal background check can take anywhere from one to three days. If the check requires state assistance, it will add to the time.
Laws must be followed during a background check, and that is where a Private Investigator from CIAPI can help. Private Investigators are well-versed in the laws of performing this type of check. By hiring a PI, you are ensuring that all of the information is found legally and ethically, following all national and state laws.
Criminal background checks are included in pre-employment screenings to check up on the new hire and make sure their history is clean. Bringing on a new hire without knowing his or her criminal history can not only put the current employees in harm’s way, but also the company itself.
The criminal background check can search on a state, federal, or national level.
Criminal background checks can bring up the following information:
- Misdemeanors
- Felonies (assault, theft, burglary, DUI’s, etc.)
- Pending criminal cases
- Incarceration history
- Active warrants
- Infractions (within last 7 years)
- Sex offender status
If an arrest did not lead to a conviction, it is possible that it will not appear on the criminal background check.
Criminal background checks are not only used for new hires, but also for volunteer organizations. It is important to know who is working with the charity to ensure that there are no ulterior motives or a history of theft or abuse.
Each organization has different goals when performing criminal background checks on a new hire or volunteer.
Criminal background checks do have limitations within the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), which stipulates that, based on certain state and federal laws, some information cannot be disclosed after a certain timeframe.
Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication at the time it was written. It is not intended to provide legal advice or suggest a guaranteed outcome. Individual situations will differ and the law may have changed since publication. Readers considering legal action should consult with an attorney to understand current laws and how they may affect a case.