Criminal Record Search (County Courts)
What it will Tell	Felony and Misdemeanor convictions, and pending cases, usually including date and nature of offense, sentencing date, disposition and current status. Generally goes back seven years. Can also search federal court records. It is critical to search both for felonies and misdemeanors in state court, since many serious violations can be classified as misdemeanors.
Reason You need this Information	Critical information to protect your business and employees. Protects employer from negligent hiring exposure and helps reduce threat of workplace violence, theft, disruption and other problems. Failure to honestly disclose a prior criminal conviction can also be the basis not to hire. For the maximum protection, all jurisdictions where an applicant has lived, worked or studied in the past seven years should be checked.
Limitations/Notes on Using this Information	Some restrictions on having certain information (such as arrests not resulting in convictions), or certain minor offenses. Employment cannot be automatically denied based upon a criminal record, but must show some sound business reason. Contrary to popular perception, criminal records are not available by computer nationwide. Background firms must check the public records at each individual county courthouse that is potentially relevant.
Special Note: Statewide databases   (See here for details>>>)	ESR is pleased to offer the most comprehensive statewide searches currently available.  The advantage of these searches is that they cover a much larger geographical area then traditional county-level searches.  However, it is critical to understand that statewide databases searches are a research tool only, and under no circumstances is a substitute for a hands-on search at the county level.  Databases in each state are compiled from a number of various sources.  There are a number of reasons that database information may not be accurate.  Because of the nature of databases, the appearance of a person's name on a database is not an indication the person is criminal any more then the absence of a name shows they are not a criminal. Any positive match MUST be verified by reviewing the actual court records.   However, a database is a valuable tool in helping employers cover a wider area and know where to search.  Please see a detailed report on the use of statewide searches co-authorized by ESR located at:  http://www.brbpub.com/CriminalHistoryDB.pdf  The Services are available either on a PER STATE basis or search of all databases that are available with our special COPS search- C.O.P.S. - Criminal Offender Profile Summary™--Summary Report: A powerful high-speed multi jurisdictional search of our state and county criminal records databases which currently includes data from 36 states (over 76 million offense records.)  Quickly returns offender information in a condensed easy to comprehend format.

Driver's License Search
What it will Tell	Driving history for three years, verification of driving privilege, other names used, identification verification and physical description.
Reason You need this Information	Gives insight into applicant's level of responsibility. Determine whether applicant keeps commitments to appear in court or pay fines, has a drug/alcohol problem, and license status. Also helps verify identity. "Driving for work" is very broadly defined in most jurisdictions and is not limited to driving positions.
Limitations/Notes on Using this Information	This information can be accessed by an outside agency on an employer's behalf. The alternative is having applicants personally go to the DMV to obtain their own records, which is not practical and is subject to fraud. DMV also has a program for firms that would like updates. Background firms can also help interpret the DMV record.

Social Security Number Check/Identity
What it will Tell	Provides names and addresses associated with the applicant's social security number, and may indicate any fraudulent use. May verify other applicant information.
Reason You need this Information	Helps verify the applicants are is who they say they are. Critical to ensure employer not the victim of a fraudulent application by someone with something to hide.
Limitations/Notes on Using this Information	Where employer does not have a sound business reason to obtain a business credit report, the social security check gives information to help confirm identity and to uncover fraud.

Credit Report
What it will Tell	Credit history and public records such as judgements, liens and bankruptcies. May include previous employers, addresses and other names used.
Reason You need this Information	Helps determine whether an employee is suitable for a position involving handling cash or the exercise of financial discretion, as well as a possible way to gauge trustworthiness and reliability.
Limitations/Notes on Using this Information	A credit report should only be requested when it is specifically relevant to a job function and the employer has appropriate policies and procedures in place to ensure that the use of credit reports are relevant and fair.

Employment Verification
What it will Tell	Basic verification includes dates of employment, job title and reason for leaving. Some employers will verify salary. Usually obtained from HR, Personnel or Payroll. Some employers have the information recorded on a 900 service.
Reason You need this Information	This information confirms your applicant's resume, and verifies their previous job history. Helps eliminate any unexplained gaps in employment, which ensures that appropriate jurisdictions have been checked for criminal records.
Limitations/Notes on Using this Information	Employers are often hesitant to give recommendations and may limit prior employment checks to the basic information. This service can be limited if not allowed to contact current employer, if past employer is out of business or cannot be located, or if employee was working through an agency.

Employment reference
What it will Tell	This is a more in-depth reference check that seeks job duties, performance, salary, strengths and weaknesses, eligibility for rehire and other detailed information.
Reason You need this Information	Allows an employer to have a realistic assessment of a candidate from former employers. It promotes a better fit, confirms the hiring opinion and protects the expensive hiring investment.
Limitations/Notes on Using this Information	Although most employers would like references, few will give them due to concerns over legal liability. However, an employer should still attempt to obtain references in order to demonstrate Due Diligence.

 

Personal Reference Check
What it will Tell	Contact personal references to ascertain additional information about your applicant concerning fitness for the job in question.
Reason You need this Information	Personal references can provide valuable information as to a person's character as it relates to the job opening.
Limitations/Notes on Using this Information	Should also inquiries about the applicant's relationship to the reference and how long they have known each other in order to evaluate the information. Can also contact "developed" references for a better picture.

Education Verification
What it will Tell	Will confirm degrees, diplomas or certificates and dates attended.
Reason You need this Information	Confirms education and ability to do the job.
Limitations/Notes on Using this Information	Industry sources show that 30% of all job applicants falsify information about their educational background. Some schools require a fee, or will only fax to an 800 number.

Professional Licenses
What it will Tell	The type of license, whether currently valid, dates issued, state and licensing authority.
Reason You need this Information	Confirms whether an applicant has the required credentials or licenses.
Limitations/Notes on Using this Information	There is a high incidence of job applicants making up or falsifying licenses or credentials.

Civil Records
What it will Tell	Date of filing, case type, case number or file record, jurisdiction and if available, identity of parties involved.
Reason You need this Information	Discover whether your applicant has sued former employers or has been sued for reasons that are relevant to employment.
Limitations/Notes on Using this Information	An employer should use this information where it is relevant to job performance. It is advisable to have standard policies and procedures for use.

 

Worker's Compensation
What it will Tell	Information about Worker's Compensation Claims and previous injuries.
Reason You need this Information	This information allows the employer to conduct post-job offer reviews in compliance with strict standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Limitations/Notes on Using this Information	Federal and state laws regulate the use of these records. You should have policies and procedures in place before requesting or utilizing these records.