The internet and modern technology have made getting accurate and up-to-date information on someone’s past easier, with some sites offering criminal background check services.
Whether hiring for your business, accepting a new tenant for your rental property, or even considering a new friend, it’s essential to know exactly who you’re dealing with.
In this article, we’ll cover some of the best criminal background check sites to help make your search quick and easy for 2024.
So that you can decide how best to protect yourself and set your mind at ease.
Let’s get started!
What is a Criminal Background Check?
A criminal background check is precisely what it sounds like—searching criminal records to see if an individual has any previous convictions.
Employers, landlords, or other organizations often do these searches to screen potential employees or tenants.
Criminal background checks are essential because they give employers a better understanding of the candidate’s character and help to guard against potential risks.
They can also provide a more complete picture of a person’s past, as some crimes may not appear on other checks.
Criminal background checks can include various records, including felony and misdemeanor charges, arrest records, court orders, warrants, and sex-offender registries.
The information on these records may be limited depending on the state or county where the search is conducted.
Remember—while criminal background checks are vital for helping employers identify potential risk factors in job candidates, people can turn their lives around and have thriving careers despite past mistakes.
Basic Versus Comprehensive Background Checks
When doing a criminal background check, you have two options: basic or comprehensive. And if you’re wondering which one is right for you, here’s a quick breakdown.
A basic background check is what it sounds like—the basics. This check focuses on public records, including a person’s criminal history, education, professional licensing information, etc.
This type of background check is usually done in a relatively short amount of time. It can be helpful in quickly vetting potential job candidates or getting general information about an individual.
Meanwhile, a comprehensive background check typically requires more time—sometimes up to several weeks—due to the extra steps in searching public records and databases from state and federal sources.
These checks look at items like driving records, credit histories, and so forth to give you an even more detailed picture of someone’s background.
Comprehensives checks are great for screening employees with access to sensitive information—or when you need in-depth reporting on someone’s background.
Best Criminal Background Check Sites for 2023
Criminal background check services are becoming necessary for businesses, employers, and individuals.
Keeping your staff and family safe by screening potential hires and partners is essential, and finding the right service can be challenging.
To help, here’s a list of the best criminal background check sites for 2023.
GoodHire
GoodHire has been around since 2015 and prides itself on delivering fast, accurate results with unbeatable customer service.
With GoodHire, you can access national and international criminal database searches, credit reports, drug screenings, and more.
Plus, GoodHire offers flexible pricing so you can find the plan that suits your budget—perfect for companies of all sizes.
HireRight
If you’re after basic background checks in the US or abroad, then HireRight is your go-to source.
HireRight offers quick turnaround times—as fast as 24 hours—and comes with services like identity verification, education, employment checks, and sex offender registry searches.
The only drawback is that it’s pricier than other options.
VeriFirst
VeriFirst has been providing top-notch criminal background checks since 2007. It’s an excellent choice if you need an international search because they have a global reach through their extensive network of partners worldwide.
They also offer drug screenings, credit report coverage, and expert guidance so you can confidently make an informed decision!
Intelius
Intelius offers comprehensive criminal background checks that include state and county records.
They also provide additional services such as driving records, asset searches, financial background checks, etc.
Checkr
Checkr is another popular CBC site that provides employers with the tools to ensure their workplace complies with labor laws.
They also offer nationwide criminal searches, drug testing services, tenant screening, and more.
Key Features to Look for in a Criminal Background Check Site
A criminal background check site is necessary for any employer looking to verify potential employees.
However, there are several features you should be on the lookout for when doing your research.
Accuracy
The most important thing about any criminal background check site is that it provides accurate information; otherwise, what’s the point of using it?
Look for sites with good reputations and reviews before deciding.
Comprehensive Searching Tools
Pick a criminal background check site with comprehensive search tools for the most up-to-date results.
You want to make sure you get all the essential details that could be relevant to your search.
Secure Database Network
Security and privacy are critical when working with sensitive legal documents.
Therefore, ensure your criminal background check site has a secure database network to protect your information.
Easy Setup and Integration Process
Look for sites with an easy setup process so you can get up and running quickly without wasting time trying to figure out how everything works.
Also, look for sites with integration options to connect all your data sources into one centralized location easily.
The Benefits of Using an Online Criminal Background Check Site
Are you considering using an online criminal background check site for 2023? You may not know it, but there are a large number of benefits that come with using one.
Easy to use
Most online criminal background check sites are incredibly user-friendly and offer many features to make the process as easy and efficient as possible.
They will provide all the necessary information quickly, including criminal records, arrest records, and any other documents that may be helpful in your search.
Comprehensive searches
Another advantage is that most online criminal background check sites offer comprehensive services covering all 50 states and other countries worldwide.
This ensures that you can access accurate, up-to-date information no matter where you are.
Secure payment options
Furthermore, most sites offer secure payment options, so you don’t have to worry about compromised financial information.
They also offer customer support to answer questions or concerns while using their services.
Discounts
Finally, most online criminal background check sites offer users discounts depending on how long they use the site and how many searches they conduct on their platform.
Users can save time using these sites to inquire about someone’s background.
Common Misconceptions About Online Criminal Background Checks
When it comes to criminal background checks, there are some common misconceptions that you should be aware of before you start your search.
Here are some of the most common ones:
1. Criminal records are out of date or incomplete
This isn’t true – criminal background check sites use sophisticated technology to provide accurate and up-to-date records.
All the primary services have access to authoritative databases verified by law enforcement, so you can be sure you’re getting accurate information.
2. Background checks target only specific demographics
Online background check services do not discriminate based on race, gender, or other demographic category.
Their searches focus on the individual’s criminal record and official court documents, regardless of who they are or where they live.
3. I can run a background check without a legal reason to do so
While online services make it easier to access public records, employers must still adhere to legal guidelines when running a background check on someone.
Otherwise, they would violate Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) regulations.
That means no employee should face discrimination based on their criminal history.
Based on what they find in those records, employers must have a legitimate legal reason for seeking action against an employee or potential employee.
Online criminal background checks can help you make informed decisions when hiring new employees and protect your organization from potential risks.
But it’s essential to understand the laws and regulations that apply to stay compliant with EEOC rules and ensure everyone is treated fairly and equally, no matter their past criminal history.
Conclusion
With so many different criminal background check sites available, it can be challenging to determine which one best suits your needs.
When searching for a criminal background check service, it is essential to consider factors such as accuracy, cost, and turnaround time.
Additionally, it is crucial to ensure the service complies with all federal, state, and local laws.
By comparing the features offered by each site, you will be able to find the criminal background check site that best fits your needs.
With the exemplary background check service, you can rest assured that you are making the best decision for your security and peace of mind.
