Background checks are becoming increasingly common, as employers use them to screen potential hires, and individuals use them to vet people they may be in a professional or personal relationship with. However, there’s always a nagging question on the accuracy of the results of background checks. So, just how accurate are they, really?
The answer to this question is complex and multi-faceted. In general, the accuracy of a background check depends on several factors such as who is conducting the background check, how comprehensive the search is, and the quality of the data sources used.
Who Conducts Background Checks?
Background checks are often conducted by private companies that specialize in such services, or by government agencies, such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) or local police departments. Each of these entities has its own policies and techniques for conducting background checks, which can affect the results.
Private background check companies generally use third-party vendors to gather data related to criminal and civil records, employment history, and education. These vendors may not have access to the most up-to-date and accurate information, which could overestimate the potential risks associated with an individual. In contrast, government agencies typically have access to more comprehensive data sources, but may also be limited by laws that dictate what information can be disclosed in a background check.
Therefore, if you are conducting a background check on your own, you must check if the vendor you are using is trustworthy and reliable, otherwise, your results might be misleading.
How Comprehensive is the Search?
The accuracy of a background check also depends on the comprehensiveness of the search. A basic background check may only include information related to criminal records, while a more comprehensive search may include employment history, education, credit reports, and driving records.
For example, if you are hiring a driver, it is essential to conduct a thorough background check that includes a review of driving records. On the other hand, if you are hiring for a marketing position, a credit report may not be as relevant. An accurate background check should be tailored to the needs of the employer or the individual conducting the search.
The Quality of Data Sources
The quality of data sources used can affect the accuracy of background check results. For example, if the data being relied on is outdated or inaccurate, the results of the background check will be equally inaccurate. On the other hand, using primary sources like law enforcement agencies, courts, educational institutions, or directly contacting references ensure a higher degree of accuracy and integrity.
For instance, an individual may be incorrectly identified as having a criminal record if the background check company uses a database that has not been updated, in which that individual name is similar to the criminal offender's name. That is why it is essential to ensure that the databases checked are accurate and up-to-date.
Background Check Errors
Despite efforts to maintain comprehensive and accurate records, there is still a chance that errors can occur. For example, agencies may mismatch records such that the information of one person shows up in another person's file. Deliberate misinterpretation or even identity fraud can go under the radar if the vetting process is not thorough.
Errors can also occur when people fail to update their information after changing their names or moving to a new state. Employers and individuals must always make sure to verify the accuracy of background check results before making any decisions based on them.
False positives and false negatives are other results of inaccuracies, which can have severe repercussions for individuals, especially when the information obtained is incorrect, not updated, or inaccurate.
Conclusion
Background checks are becoming an increasingly common tool in our society, used by both employers and individuals to make informed decisions about the people they interact with. While they offer advantages such as helping individuals make more informed decisions, they also compromise privacy and the potential to cause discrimination.
The accuracy of background checks depends on various factors such as the depth and thoroughness of the search, who conducted the background check, and the quality of the data sources used. However, even the most thorough background check can occasionally provide erroneous results.
Therefore, while the results of a background check can be useful, they must be treated with caution and double-checked for accuracy. Employers and individuals should always ensure they are using reputable background check companies or primary sources like police and government agencies. Doing so will help guarantee accurate vetting for all parties involved.
