Who Should Do Your Background Check

The evolution of the internet has simplified an individual’s ability to gain access to information. Increasingly public entities such as County Courts and Public Records Repositories allow access to their databases via the internet. This has been both a boon and a boondoggle for background screening companies.

Background screening is a critical activity utilized to safeguard at-risk populations, provide risk mitigation and reduce exposure to potential harmful events. Background screening companies use a variety of methods in gathering their information, including online databases and information providers. However, ease of access to information has created a proliferation of background screening companies and to an individual or corporate entity choosing the right provider can be an enormous task.

There are a number of different options when selecting a background screening company. Understanding the information required assists greatly in the selection process. If one need only basic data, that may or may not be current, and could be limited in its scope of data capture, there are a number a quick and cheap suppliers online. These operators utilize database information, generally offer a limited product line and may not subscribe to the broadest Federal Guidelines. Their websites are generally complex and lead a user to purchase several packages that may not even provide current information. Also, a number of these providers rope their users into a subscriber service, a process that is not clearly defined or easy to avoid in the sign-up process.

However, if an individual has broader requirements, information utilized in making critical decisions such as hiring employees, tenants, caregivers, nannies or volunteers, one should carefully select a background screening company. Thorough research will provide a satisfactory experience rather than a perfunctory.

There are several aspects one should consider when selecting a background screening company:

1. Professionalism.
   The National Association of Profession Background Screeners has a list of screening suppliers at their website. A member of a professional association will have a greater investment in the ethical and principled operation of their company.
2. FCRA.
   If a background screening company does not offer credit reports that are not required to operate under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Even if one does not require a credit report as part of their purchase it may be fortuitous to work with a company that does provide credit reports.
3. Access.
   This can be critical especially if there is an adverse action based on information provided during a pre-employment investigation. One should be able to find a phone number, email address and physical address of a screening company without significant effort.
4. License.
   In the state of California a background screening company must be operated by an individual that has a current private investigator license and that license must be held in good standing. Not every state has the same requirement, however it would be beneficial to inquire to a firms license status. It would be helpful to inquire into a given states requirements as well.
5. Associations.
   Beyond profession associations there are a number of other affiliations that will provide greater credibility to a background screening firm as well as a potential point of reference. These may include membership with the local Chamber of Commerce, Better Business Bureau and local groups related to the background screening companies activities.
6. References.
   Some background screening companies provide references on their webpage but the prudent action would be to contact the screener and ask for client references. It is a simple task to contact one or two current clients to get an understanding about the screener and their activities.
7. Openness.
   A background screening company should be very upfront and open about what they can and cannot do, as well as what they offer the individual or firm in terms of privacy protection. They should have a standard practice in place and make non-confidential portions available to the consumer.
8. Security.
   It is important to know that the background screening company has the latest security options in place regarding their internet presence as well as their physical location.

There are more obvious requirements one might have in terms of product. These might include the following:

1. Product mix. Does the company offer the widest range of reports possible? Do they have the ability to provide global information?
2. Product providers. Does the company have access to a network of researchers that can go into County Courts and gather the most current information available? Do they rely solely on databases?
3. Personnel. Does the customer service representative have the training required to keep the individual or firm informed with the latest legal requirements as well as products?
4. Turnaround. Many companies offer a quick turnaround. One should expect that the information returned to the requestor has been reviewed by a qualified individual and that all reports are clear and understandable. If a company offers instant information one should be suspicious both to the currency of the information as well as the quality. Most companies will suggest a 72 hour or less turnaround time.

When selecting a background screening companies there is much to consider. The items mentioned above are merely guidelines. Certainly there are other aspects of information one might wish to uncover. The important thing to keep in mind when selecting a background screening company is to do thorough research.

Sources: The National Association of Professional Background Screeners can be found at www.NAPBS.com.