Why Background Screen With CSI

Why Do You Need Background Checks?

Perhaps the most obvious reason is to avoid violence and disruption in the workplace. While the existence of a criminal record is not always a reason to reject a candidate, there are cases where it can be. For example, a convicted child molester has no business working in a day care center.

Extreme cases aside, there are important fundamental reasons for conducting background checks on potential employees. With today’s emphasis on managing more work with fewer people, the impact of a bad hire is greater than ever before. How do you really know that the candidate has the education, experience and certifications that he or she claims, if you don’t verify the claims?

Finally, pre-employment screening helps to avoid the rising costs associated with theft, fraud, and lawsuits that may result from the actions of employees that should never have been hired. The practice also reduces the less obvious costs associated with bad publicity and the loss of customers.

According to the National Association of Professional Background Screeners (NAPBS), 10 % of job applicants have a criminal record and that 40 % of resumes contain material lies or omissions about education, past employment, or qualifications.

Advantages Of Screening

Eliminate uncertainty in the hiring process by basing decisions on hard information

Demonstrate Due Diligence in the hiring process, promoting safety in the workplace

Encourage open communication and honesty on the part of the Applicant and the process

Excellent return on a small investment ensuring you made a good informative decision

We’ve already talked about the basic reasons that companies conduct pre-employment screens. However, there are other, more subtle reasons that can be just as important in the long run. First of all, applicants with something to hide will typically avoid those companies that conduct pre-employment screening as a matter of policy. This saves everyone time and money.

Pre-employment screening also helps to eliminate uncertainty in the hiring process. A good interviewer may be able to make an informed judgment about an applicant’s personality, intelligence and general qualifications. However, verifying past employment, education, professional licenses and other key data is impossible to do without checking at the source.

Companies that regularly screen applicants also demonstrate a level of Due Diligence that promotes safety in the workplace. While this is no guarantee that a company will avoid all legal problems associated with its employees, it could become a critical factor in a lawsuit.

Screening also promotes open communication and honesty during the hiring process. If an applicant has a blemish on the record, they are more likely to disclose it up front, rather than be caught in a lie.

Finally, pre-employment screening costs have been reduced dramatically over the past few years, due to streamlined procedures and advanced technology. Bottom-line, it’s an excellent return a small investment.

What Makes a Thorough Screen?

Why Background Screen With CSI and the type of screens conducted varies, according to the employer and job type.

Basic Employment screening usually includes a Criminal Records Search in the counties where the applicant has lived over the past seven years. To determine whether the applicant lived in locations that were not supplied on the job application, it is also typical for the screener to run a Social Security Number trace. A search of the applicant’s Driving Records is conducted because it often uncovers offenses outside a county of residence. Previous employment is often checked, to confirm that the applicant has the experience required for the positions.

These basic checks are often augmented by a search of civil court records in the same counties, verification of educational degrees and checks with references supplied by the applicant.

Certain job types require special screens. For example, a job that involves handling money may be subject to a search of Bankruptcy records and a Credit History. A position in the field of Medicine will often require the verification of professional licenses, as well as a search of government databases that hold information on Medicare fraud, sex offenders, patient abusers, etc.

What Is The Fair Credit Reporting Act?

The screening industry is governed by the Fair Credit Reporting Act or FCRA. The basic tenets of this act are as follows:

First and foremost, an applicant must expressly authorize the screen by signing an FCRA compliant release form. The screening agency typically provides this form to the Employer and requires that it be returned with the applicant’s data, prior to beginning the requested searches and verifications.

Second, the applicant must be notified, in advance, if anything in the resulting report will be used to keep them from attaining the position.

Third, if the applicant disputes the findings of a screen, the screening agency must investigate the claim and re-verify the information.

Finally, screening can only be conducted for the specific purposes of doing due diligence on potential employees or tenants.

Many states, such as California and Minnesota, have laws that augment the FCRA. These typically have to do with providing the applicant with the contents of the report and a means by which to handle disputes.

It’s important to understand that Complete Security Investigations LLC fully supports the intent of these statutes and considers full and active compliance by its clients to be a high priority.

CSI Frequently Asked Questions

If you do not see your question feel free to contact us for quick answers to all of your questions, we are here to serve you.

Who should utilize this service?

Every business or organization can benefit. Our clients represent a wide variety of industries and range in size from small proprietorships to multi-million dollar corporations to Churches and other non profit organizations. Hiring someone into your organization is a big responsibility and puts you at risk by exposing you and all of your customers to someone who may not have been honest when you hired them.

How do I know the results are accurate?

Results are reviewed internally before they are reported to the customer. Any discrepancy in results is sent back for further information before it can be reported.

How do I conduct a search?

Once you sign up, and have agreed to the CSI service agreement you are able to run searches with us. Any search conducted must have a signed release from the person being checked. Searches can be ordered via fax, XML or on our secure website.

How long does it take to get reports?

In most cases results will be returned in 1 to 3 business days. In some cases a county may have delayed results and can take a little longer.

How up-to-date is the information I will receive from you?

Our results are gathered directly from the source, at the time of request. CSI obtains the most up to date information available, bar none.

Are there any costs involved in joining your services?

No. Never. There are no monthly fees, no annual fees, no set up charges, or anything of the sort. You are only charged for the searches you conduct. At the end of every month, you will receive an itemized invoice from us detailing the names that you searched, the searches performed on those names, and the charges associated with the searches.

If I am looking for a search not listed on your website, can you help me?

CSI is constantly adding new services, if there is a way that we can help you, we certainly will. If it is a service that we can not complete for you, we will do our best to direct you to someone that can.

What is the Fair Credit Reporting Act

The screening industry is governed by the Fair Credit Reporting Act or FCRA. – Check it our here – Fair Credit Reporting Act

CSI Resources and Downloads

Take the Next Step with Confidence

Whether you’re hiring new employees, conducting a personal background check, or seeking the truth in a sensitive matter, CSI Complete Security Investigations is here to deliver accurate, discreet, and timely results. Our team of licensed professionals uses advanced tools and proven methods to uncover the facts you need. Don’t leave important decisions to chance—contact us today and let CSI provide the clarity and peace of mind you deserve.