How to Get the Top Criminal Background Check: Understanding Its Features and Benefits

As a hiring manager, it’s your job to ensure that your team is filled with trustworthy, competent, and reliable individuals. This is especially true if your organization handles sensitive information or deals with vulnerable populations. One way to protect your company and its stakeholders is to conduct a criminal background check on all potential hires. In this blog, we will explore the features and benefits of a criminal background check, and how it can help you make more informed hiring decisions.

What is a criminal background check?

A criminal background check is a process that involves reviewing an individual's criminal records to determine whether or not they have been convicted of a crime. The information obtained in the check typically includes any arrests, convictions, and other pertinent information that may be relevant to the employer’s decision to hire the candidate. In some cases, a criminal background check may also include an individual's credit report, as well as their driving record.

How to perform a criminal background check

There are several ways to conduct a criminal background check, and the method you choose will depend on your specific needs and budget. One option is to use an online background check service, which can provide you with a comprehensive report on an individual's criminal history within minutes. These services are typically not free, and the cost can vary depending on the amount of information you need.

Another option is to hire a private investigator to conduct a criminal background check on your behalf. This method may be more expensive than using an online service, but it offers a more in-depth and personalized approach to gathering information on a candidate. However, it’s important to ensure that the private investigator you select is licensed and reputable to protect your organization’s interests.

Benefits of conducting a criminal background check

The benefits of conducting a criminal background check are numerous and far-reaching, and can significantly impact your organization’s success.

1. Protect your company and employees

By conducting a criminal background check, you are taking a proactive approach to protecting your company and employees from potential harm. By avoiding hiring individuals with a history of violence or theft, you are minimizing the risk of workplace accidents, theft, or harassment.

2. Make better hiring decisions

A criminal background check can provide valuable information about a candidate’s past behavior, which may help inform your decision to hire or not hire them. By reviewing an individual's criminal history, you can make a more informed decision about their trustworthiness and ability to carry out the duties of their role.

3. Comply with legal requirements

Depending on your industry, certain positions may require specific types of background checks to comply with legal requirements. For example, individuals who work in a hospital, childcare, or education may be required to undergo a criminal background check before they can be hired. By conducting background checks, you can ensure you are complying with legal requirements and avoiding any legal issues.

4. Improve workplace morale and productivity

A criminal background check can also have a positive impact on workplace morale and productivity. By hiring individuals who have been vetted and do not have a criminal record, you can create a more supportive work environment, increase trust among team members, and improve overall productivity.

Potential objections to conducting a criminal background check

While there are numerous benefits to conducting a criminal background check, there are also potential objections you may encounter when advocating for this practice. These objections may include concerns around cost, privacy, and accuracy of information.

One objection to conducting a criminal background check is that it can be expensive, especially for smaller organizations. However, the cost of not vetting potential employees may result in even more significant costs in the long run, including lost productivity, a negative impact on workplace morale, and potential harm to employees.

Another objection to conducting a criminal background check is concerns around privacy. While it’s important to respect an individual's privacy, it’s also important to balance this with the need to protect your company’s interests. The information obtained in a criminal background check is typically public record, and employers have a legal right to conduct such checks as part of their hiring process.

Finally, there may be concerns around the accuracy of the information obtained in a criminal background check. This is a valid concern, as criminal records are not always up to date or may contain errors. However, reputable background check companies typically have procedures in place to ensure the accuracy of the information they provide, and it’s important to select a service that is reputable and reliable.

Conclusion

In summary, conducting a criminal background check is an important step in protecting your organization and making informed hiring decisions. The benefits of conducting a criminal background check are far-reaching and can impact workplace safety, productivity, and compliance with legal requirements.

While there may be objections to this practice, discussing the potential risks and benefits with stakeholders can help alleviate concerns and ensure that everyone understands the importance of this practice.

Ultimately, conducting a criminal background check helps ensure that your hiring process is fair, consistent, and protects the interests of your company and employees. By investing the time and resources into this practice, you can create a more supportive and productive work environment for years to come.