7 Ingredients to a Proper Background Screening (That Are Often Overlooked)

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It’s sad, but there are a lot of products and services that we routinely buy and actually expect to be undersold or disappointed with. Some things should work exactly as they’re supposed to, though. No one buys medicine expecting to get a watered-down version, and you couldn’t get away with selling a substandard parachute.

There are a lot of things that go into a proper, useful background screening check that aren’t often given to businesses that think they’re being protected. For that reason, it’s much easier than most people realize for convicted criminals and individuals with dangerous backgrounds to “slip through the cracks” and join companies and nonprofits. They may even be entering homes and businesses on your behalf.

So what kinds of gaps exist with most background screening systems? Here are seven of the most important shortcomings:

1. Trained investigators. Automated computer systems can’t do the work of live, trained investigators who know exactly what to look for.
2. True identity matching. A Social Security number isn’t enough; you need photo identification, middle names, aliases, and previous addresses to be sure you have the right person.
3. Detailed searches of court records. Instant background checks compare names to a few widely available databases; a real search goes into local and municipal courts.
4. Sex offender registry checks. Some systems don’t incorporate state and local court records or convictions.
5. Photograph verification. Photographs from past government records, previous employers, and other third-party sources confirm the applicant is who they claim to be.
6. Personal history profile. Employment history, driving records, and previous addresses give a more complete picture beyond criminal and credit checks.
7. Review for discrepancies. A trained investigator can spot trouble signs, missing information, or outright fraud that a computer program simply can’t.

These are just a few of the most important elements that popular instant background checks don’t include… even though they are crucial to verifying the identity of the person you want to evaluate and getting an accurate picture of their history and risk profile.

The bottom line is that, when you bring someone into your organization (or send them to customers using your name, uniform, and/or ID), you are liable for the actions they take. If the thought of that troubles you, it’s time to start working with a company like CrimShield that has an established system in place for verifying identities and performing fast, thorough, and affordable background screening using live agents.

About The Author: J. Denton (Denny) Dobbins is nationally and internationally recognized as a leader in premises liability protection and has been featured across North America sharing the stage with political leaders, police, administrators and business leaders. Since 1978, Denny has been involved with the detection and deterrence of criminal activity in properties and employment of all types.