Here are a few key things to remember when selecting the best background check services. One crucial factor is turnaround time. Avoid services that promise instant results, as they often only search a national database. A reputable service will research criminal records at the county level for more accurate and detailed information.
Reputation
A fingerprint background check involves submitting an applicant’s prints to a government agency for scanning. The vetting process typically searches state and national criminal databases for information about the person’s history, including arrests and convictions. It may also look for sex offender registry information. It is common in industries involving physical contact with patients and customers, like healthcare, and positions requiring security clearance or high ethical standards, such as law enforcement or finance jobs. In a background check, fingerprints are cross-referenced to locate records in the federal Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System (IAFIS). This database contains the FBI’s “rap sheet,” which includes criminal arrest dates, charges, and case disposition information. It can also contain basic information about the person, such as their date of birth and name. Additionally, police reports can be linked to these records that may reveal vehicle accidents, insurance information, or statements made by the person.
However, the IAFIS needs to be completed. It relies on the data reported by state and local agencies, subject to the 10th Amendment. As a result, some crimes may not be included in the database, and no failsafe is in place to ensure the information is up-to-date. Therefore, there are better methods to search an individual’s past comprehensively. In contrast, a name-based check from a reputable background screening company with multiple databases will provide more accurate and thorough results.
Fees
Unlike other background checks, which are typically handled by a third party and delivered to the employer, fingerprinting is a hands-on process. The candidate goes down to a local police department and has their prints scanned. Afterward, the results are sent to the vetting organization. Fingerprint background checks compare an individual against federal databases. However, these databases often need to be completed and rely heavily on information that states are not obligated to report to the FBI. That’s why fingerprinting is not a be-all-end-all for screening criminal histories, and it’s essential to select a service that understands that. The good news is that fingerprint background checks can provide a great deal of valuable data. They can validate a person’s identity, verify their employment status, and verify who they say they are. They also can help identify discrepancies in a person’s name (e.g., a military discharge that was never included on the applicant’s resume or college experience that was left off a degree application). So, while fingerprint background checks aren’t the ultimate solution to all criminal history concerns, they play an essential role in many organizations’ screening programs and should be part of an overall, comprehensive vetting strategy. The key is to select a service that charges reasonable fees and doesn’t hide costs or charge inflated access fees.
Accuracy
Fingerprint-based record checks search the FBI’s Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System (IAFIS) database, looking up records linked to a candidate’s fingerprint. These checks are used in industries where the law requires them or for positions requiring security clearance or sensitive data access. The IAFIS database primarily reflects information sent to the FBI by states, municipalities, and counties. As such, it can be inaccurate. Additionally, it is not subject to consumer protection laws like those that apply to background check providers, also known as Consumer Reporting Agencies (CRAs). That doesn’t mean fingerprint searches aren’t helpful. They can provide an extra layer of verification that’s particularly important when someone has a common name, uses an alias, or their date of birth is incorrect. In addition, they can be the only way to uncover a person who has successfully assumed another’s identity. Still, fingerprint-based searches shouldn’t be the only type of criminal background check employers rely on. Pairing them with a more comprehensive name-based check is a good idea. In addition, CRA-based screenings are held to higher standards of accuracy. They are covered by the Fair Credit Reporting Act, which allows candidates to dispute any incorrect information they find on their report.
Customer Service
Fingerprint background checks research an individual’s criminal and non-criminal history. They’re often required for employment in regulated industries like healthcare or financial services and specific professional licensing applications. This makes them a critical part of the candidate selection process, and choosing a reliable service is essential to ensure the results are delivered as quickly as possible. When choosing a reliable fingerprint background check service, the first key consideration is evaluating the quality of customer service offered. It underscores the paramount importance of engaging with a provider that goes beyond mere transactional interactions, focusing on a responsive and knowledgeable support team. The guide advocates for services that offer diverse communication channels, ensuring accessibility through phone, email, and live chat. Clear and transparent communication is highlighted as a hallmark of exceptional customer service, emphasizing keeping clients well-informed about their background checks’ status and potential nuances. The guide encourages readers to prioritize providers committed to client satisfaction, offering timely updates, and fostering a positive overall experience. Ultimately, it asserts that a fingerprint background checks service’s commitment to exemplary customer service is integral to building trust and confidence, elevating its standing as a premier choice for individual and business needs.