How to Run Criminal Background Checks

If you operate any sort of business, it is likely that you need to conduct a criminal background at some point or another. You may need to check on a prospective employee before making a job offer, or conduct periodic checks on current employees to retain a safety certification or security clearance for your business. Whatever your reasons, running a criminal background check is simple and straightforward.

1. First: Gather the facts

   To run a successful criminal background check, you must collect some information about the person you wish to investigate. By providing as much accurate information as you can, you ensure that the background check focuses on the correct person, rather than on someone with a similar name. Start by noting the person's full legal name, including any suffixes such as "Junior," "III" and so on. Also note the social security number, if there is one and the date of birth.

2. Second: Take names (and addresses)

   In addition to the person's full legal name, gather a list of all names the person has used. For instance, "Joseph Michael Smith" might also go by "Joe Smith," "J.M. Smith" or "J. Mike Smith." If the person changed his last name due to marriage or adoption, include the original last name. If the person routinely goes by a nickname, make sure to add that to the list too. A list of past addresses improves the accuracy of the background check. These addresses can help eliminate false matches between people with similar names.

3. Third: Choose a background check provider

   After you have gathered as much information as you can, you are ready to hire a firm to perform the criminal background check. Laws concerning background checks vary, so hire a firm that is familiar with the legal climate in your state, and in the state where the person you are investigating lives.