Many assume there is a “blanket” search which covers all aspects of an individual’s criminal past in all areas of the United States. This is the most common mistake; in actuality the private sector does not have access to the same search tools and utilities as law enforcement, but knowing when to initiate an instant criminal database background check or a manual court level investigation is the secret when conducting a criminal investigation.

You will find a variety of companies online which will allow you to conduct a criminal database search. You should always pick a company that publishes the specific coverage the search in question will encompass. Several states and counties will not allow access to their criminal data online and if the record you are looking for resides in one of these jurisdictions an instant criminal check would be useless. Unfortunately many websites will leave out this fact. In these cases a manual county level investigation is needed. An investigator will be dispatched to the courthouse in question to physically search through criminal conviction files.

The key is determining the needed search area/s for your specific applicant and recognizing the exact search or combination of searches that will appropriately cover the desired jurisdictions. Knowing these search facts will be the difference between easily retrieving an accurate criminal background check or wasting time and ultimately money.

The use of social media screening will only expand as more and more people continue to share every aspect of their private lives online.  Social networking will still remain, in most cases, only a “tipping point’ in the employer’s decision whether to hire or deny the applicant.  A candidate’s prior experience, education, criminal history and “real life” presentation will continue to be the key factors in any applicant evaluation.

It is crucial to choose a reputable background check screening firm, of course, but also one which details the coverage data that is available… this is a key factor.  This type of check will always require a fee per applicant search.

www.CriminalWatchDog.com® provides access, via its website, to criminal background check documentation for pre-employment screening.  CriminalWatchDog is the leading authority for online criminal background screening and assists individuals, employers, and landlords with the retrieval of public records, specifically criminal background checks.

.:Toll Free Customer Solutions Line: 800.515.8498

.:Customer Solutions: Support@CriminalWatchDog.com 
.:Sales: Sales@CriminalWatchDog.com