How to Get the Best Criminal Background Check: Discovering its Benefits and Addressing Objections
As our society becomes increasingly more connected through technology, it's more important than ever to prioritize safety and security. One way businesses and individuals can do that is through obtaining a comprehensive criminal background check. In this blog post, we'll explore the features and benefits of a criminal background check and how to get the best one for your needs. We'll also take a look at potential objections and how to overcome them.
What is a Criminal Background Check?
A criminal background check is a process of researching a person's criminal history. This includes looking at legal records, such as court records and arrest records, to determine if someone has a criminal history. A criminal background check can also include a review of credit reports, employment history, and driving records.
There are different types of criminal background checks, including those for employment purposes and those for personal use. Employers may conduct a criminal background check on prospective employees to ensure they're hiring someone with a clean record, whereas individuals may want to run a check on someone they're considering hiring for a personal service or as a potential tenant.
Benefits of a Criminal Background Check
Peace of Mind
Arguably, the most significant benefit of obtaining a criminal background check is the peace of mind it can provide. Whether you're a business owner or an individual, the thoroughness of a criminal background check can help protect you from potential harm. Knowing that you've done your due diligence in ensuring the safety of yourself or your business can provide a sense of peace that is priceless.
Mitigating Risks
By obtaining a criminal background check, you can mitigate the risk of potential damage to yourself or your business. Businesses, for instance, can avoid hiring employees with criminal histories that could potentially compromise the security of the workplace, customers, or sensitive data.
Similarly, individuals can avoid hiring a contractor with a criminal history who may attempt to swindle them. A thorough criminal background check can uncover past criminal offenses or patterns that could potentially put you or your business at risk.
Sound Hiring Decisions
Employers who want to hire the best candidates must have an effective hiring process in place. A criminal background check can help ensure that the person who is hired is trustworthy, responsible, and can positively contribute to the workplace.
Furthermore, there are specific federal laws around hiring for specific professions, such as healthcare or education, that require a criminal background check for prospective hires. In these instances, an employer can lose significant sums of money if they violate these requirements.
Personal and Professional Relationships
Business and personal relationships can benefit from a criminal background check. If you're considering hiring someone for a personal service, such as a nanny or a caregiver, knowing their background can help you determine if they're the right fit for the job. Similarly, if you're considering starting a new relationship, a criminal background check can provide you with some insight into the person's past, which can assist in making an informed decision.
Objections and Overcoming Them
Despite the benefits of obtaining a criminal background check, some individuals may be hesitant due to concerns over privacy, cost, or accuracy.
Privacy Concerns
There are laws in place to protect individual privacy, such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), which dictate the type and manner of information that can be gathered through a criminal background check. Before running a criminal background check, individuals should make certain they are in compliance with these laws.
The Fair Credit Reporting Act provides individuals the ability to challenge the accuracy of the information obtained in a criminal background check. Additionally, companies that provide criminal background checks often employ strict confidentiality policies, which help protect individual privacy.
Cost
The cost of a criminal background check varies depending on the type of check being conducted and the provider. Of course, cost should never be the sole deciding factor, as the benefits of the criminal background check far outweigh the costs.
Accuracy
Another potential objection to criminal background checks is the accuracy of the information obtained through the process. It's important to note that criminal background checks are conducted using official records and databases, which are generally considered to be reliable and accurate. However, errors can occur, and individuals have the right to dispute inaccurate information.
How to Get the Best Criminal Background Check
When considering obtaining a criminal background check, individuals should be aware of the different types of background checks that are available. These include multi-jurisdictional criminal record checks and searches that look for information in specific jurisdictions.
It's also essential to choose a reputable provider of criminal background checks, one that secures and protects personal information and follows FCRA and other applicable laws.
Conclusion
A criminal background check provides peace of mind, protects against risks, and helps make sound hiring decisions. Potential objections, such as privacy concerns, cost, and accuracy, can be mitigated through compliance with applicable laws, careful selection of providers, and an understanding of different types of background checks.
Taking the time and money to obtain a comprehensive criminal background check is a worthwhile investment in your personal and professional safety and success.
