Background check
Background check is the process of looking up public records, commercial records and financial records (in certain instances such as employment screening) about a person.
It was often done when someone applies for a job but mostly for those that requires high security or position of trust like a school, hospital, bank, airport, in law enforcement, etc. It is traditionally done by the police but is now most often purchased as a service from a private business. Information usually includes the following: past employment, credit worthiness, and criminal history.
These checks are important because they allow better informed and less-subjective evaluations to be made about a person.
It was often done when someone applies for a job but mostly for those that requires high security or position of trust like a school, hospital, bank, airport, in law enforcement, etc. It is traditionally done by the police but is now most often purchased as a service from a private business. Information usually includes the following: past employment, credit worthiness, and criminal history.
These checks are important because they allow better informed and less-subjective evaluations to be made about a person.
Types of background checks
There are a variety of types of investigative searches that can be used by potential employers. Many commercial sites will offer specific searches to employers for a fee. Services like these will actually perform the checks, supply the company with adverse action letters, and ensure compliance throughout the process. It is important to be selective about which pre-employment screening agency you use. A legitimate company will be happy to explain the process to you.
Many employers choose to search the most common records such as criminal records, driving records, and education verification. Other searches such as sex offender registry, credential verification, reference checks, credit reports and Patriot Act searches are becoming increasingly common. Employers should consider the position in question when determining which types of searches to include, and should always use the same searches for every applicant being considered for one position.
Many employers choose to search the most common records such as criminal records, driving records, and education verification. Other searches such as sex offender registry, credential verification, reference checks, credit reports and Patriot Act searches are becoming increasingly common. Employers should consider the position in question when determining which types of searches to include, and should always use the same searches for every applicant being considered for one position.
Two classifications of background checks:
Consumer Report
A background check is classified as a consumer report if the purpose of the background check is to serve as a factor in eligibility for credit, insurance, employment or any other purpose authorized under Section 604 of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). This type of background check can only be obtained with the authorized consent of the person who is the subject of the investigation and therefor can contain both public and non-public information such as criminal records, credit report, driving record and various verifications of previous employment, education, certifications, etc.
Non-Consumer Report
If a background check is not going to be used for the purposes listed above, it is not a consumer report, does not need the consent of the subject, and is mostly limited to public record information. With few exceptions, this means criminal records, which can be obtained by visiting your local courthouse.
A background check is classified as a consumer report if the purpose of the background check is to serve as a factor in eligibility for credit, insurance, employment or any other purpose authorized under Section 604 of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). This type of background check can only be obtained with the authorized consent of the person who is the subject of the investigation and therefor can contain both public and non-public information such as criminal records, credit report, driving record and various verifications of previous employment, education, certifications, etc.
Non-Consumer Report
If a background check is not going to be used for the purposes listed above, it is not a consumer report, does not need the consent of the subject, and is mostly limited to public record information. With few exceptions, this means criminal records, which can be obtained by visiting your local courthouse.
