Criminal Background Check: How to Get the Best and Why it Matters

As society becomes more and more complex, we face numerous challenges that require us to adopt new strategies and technologies to tackle them effectively. One of such challenges is the increasing rate of crime in our communities. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), law enforcement agencies in the United States made an estimated 10.5 million arrests in 2019. These arrests ranged from misdemeanors to serious felonies, such as murder, rape, and grand theft auto. Now, imagine if these individuals were released back into society without their criminal past checked. The potential risks and consequences are too great to ignore. Thankfully, we have a solution - the criminal background check.

What is a Criminal Background Check?

Simply put, a criminal background check is an investigation that reveals a potential employee, tenant, or any other individual's criminal record if they have one. The process involves checking government databases, court records, and other public sources to obtain relevant information about the person's criminal history. The information obtained may include arrest records, convictions, pending cases, and other details that will help the decision-maker assess the individual's character, trustworthiness, and overall suitability.

How to Get a Criminal Background Check?

If you have never run a criminal background check before, you might be wondering how to go about it. Fortunately, the process is not complicated, and there are several options available to you. Here are some of the most common ways to get a criminal background check:

1. Online Background Check Services
There are several online background check services such as Instant Checkmate, BeenVerified, and TruthFinder that you can use to run a criminal background check. These services allow you to conduct the investigation from the comfort of your home or office using a computer, tablet, or smartphone. All you need is the full name and other basic information of the person you're investigating.

2. Hire a Private Investigator
Another option is to hire a private investigator to conduct the criminal background check for you. Private investigators have access to a vast range of resources and databases, which makes it easier for them to obtain detailed information about an individual's criminal history. However, this route is more expensive than using online background check services.

3. Request Records from Government Agencies
You can also request criminal records from government agencies such as the FBI, state police, or county clerk's office. However, this option can take longer than using online services or hiring a private investigator, and it may require you to complete paperwork and pay a fee.

The Best Criminal Background Check

Now that you know the various ways of obtaining a criminal background check, you might be wondering which option is the best. The answer to that question depends on your situation, budget, and the quality of information you need regarding the individual's criminal history. However, there are some qualities that the best criminal background checks have in common, and they include:

1. Comprehensive Reports
The best criminal background checks should provide you with comprehensive reports that include information such as criminal records, sex offender status, bankruptcies, liens, and judgments if they exist.

2. Accurate Information
The information provided in the report should be accurate and up-to-date. Unfortunately, some background check services may produce false positive or false negative results, which can cause serious problems for the individual being investigated or the decision-maker. Therefore, it is essential to use a reputable and reliable service that guarantees accurate information.

3. User-Friendly Interface
The best criminal background check services should have an intuitive and user-friendly interface that allows you to locate, view, and download the report quickly and easily.

Why Criminal Background Check Matters

Now that we have talked about what a criminal background check is and how to get the best one let's move on to why it matters. There are several reasons why conducting a criminal background check is essential in today's world, including:

1. Protecting Your Business or Property
If you're a business owner, landlord, or property manager, you need to ensure that the individuals you're hiring or renting to have a clean criminal record. This is especially true if the individual will have access to sensitive information, money, or valuable assets. Conducting a criminal background check can help you identify potential red flags that may pose a risk to your business or property.

2. Making Informed Hiring Decisions
Employers need to make informed hiring decisions to avoid legal repercussions and reputational damage. By conducting a criminal background check, you can verify the information provided by the candidate, identify any criminal history that may disqualify them from the position, and avoid negligent hiring.

3. Ensuring Personal Safety
Conducting a criminal background check is essential for personal safety. Whether you're hiring a nanny, babysitter, or housekeeper, you need to ensure that they don't have a criminal record that may pose a risk to you or your family. Similarly, if you're going on a blind date or meeting someone online, conducting a criminal background check can help you avoid potential dangers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, conducting a criminal background check is a vital tool in today's world, whether you're an employer, landlord, or an individual seeking personal safety. The process is not complicated, and there are several options available to you, including online background check services, hiring a private investigator, or requesting records from government agencies. However, it is essential to use a reputable and reliable service that provides comprehensive, accurate, and up-to-date information. The best criminal background check should help you protect your business or property, make informed hiring decisions, and ensure personal safety. Don't take chances with your safety or that of your loved ones. Run a criminal background check today.