Re-check Monitoring Program
In order to implement a Re-Check Monitoring Program, you will need to address the following:
- Ensure that the Applicant Release Form, which the applicant signs to authorize the initial background check, is “Evergreen”. Essentially, the form needs to contain a statement which clearly informs the applicant that by signing this form, they authorize the employer to order pre-employment background checks as well as annual and/or random background checks in accordance with company policies throughout the term of employment, should the applicant be hired. Be sure to retain signed forms digitally as part of your program.
- Ensure that your policy of annual and/or random background checks is clearly defined within your organizations’ Employee Handbook and other new hire information documentation.
- Ensure that your HR team consistently applies the program to all employees, and that clearly documented policies and penalties are enforced should an employee background check make such action necessary.
Services
County Criminal Records Search
Background checks that search criminal convictions at the appropriate county courts, covering a seven year period for California and longer for all other states. Reveals felony and related misdemeanor convictions. Records can include: case numbers, offense and disposition dates, charge, type of charge, disposition, and sentence. Courts are searched directly at the source via in person, court Internet websites or direct connection into the courts index. Common names can cause delay in verifying criminal activity, files have to be pulled so identifiers, such as date of birth, middle name and driver's license number, can be checked. Typographical, data entry and/or court filing errors can cause accuracy issues. Also, running a partial or "nickname" (i.e. running Bob instead of Robert) can create accuracy issues. It is recommended that all names, including alias and maiden names be run at all jurisdictions for a seven year period. This will maximize the search results and accuracy.
Credit History
Background checks that search the credit bureau files to provide a profile of the applicant's financial history. Search can show additional addresses and names and consumer credit activity covering a seven year period detailing overdue or slow accounts, charge offs, collections, suits, tax liens, public records, judgments and bankruptcies. This is heavily restricted search requiring authorization. The State of California has special requirements for credit reports. Young applicants and individuals new to the country might not have developed a credit history yet. Typographical and /or transposition of numbers at the time a Social Security Number is used by a creditor to initiate a credit inquiry can create errors in the data. Applicants must be given information on how to contact the credit repository to request changes if errors are found in the report. Material is available through the AccuSource online system for learning how to read credit reports.
Federal Criminal Records Search
Background checks that search criminal convictions at the appropriate federal district court, covering a seven-year period for California and longer for other districts. The districts are searched directly through the federal court records. Common names can cause delay in verifying criminal activity, files have to be pulled so identifiers, such as date of birth, middle name and driver's license number, can be checked. In many cases, identifiers are not maintained in the Federal District court records. Typographical, data entry and/or court filing errors can cause accuracy issues. Also, running a partial or "nickname" (i.e. running Bob instead of Robert) can create accuracy issues. It is recommended that all names, including alias and maiden names be run at all jurisdictions for a seven year period. This will maximize the search results and accuracy.
Motor Vehicle Record
Background checks that search the state Bureau of Motor Vehicle records for driver information. These records vary by state, providing different information. Information can include license status, license class, issue date, expiration date, violations, suspensions, licensee address, date of birth and physical description. The MVR record is the best source for verifying an applicant's DOB. The number of years shown on driving reports varies by state, so criminal traffic offenses may not always appear on the MVR report; only the suspension/cancellation will show. The MVR report can be affected if the license number provided by the applicant is an ID card number or if it is not formatted correctly for the provided state.
Multi-State / National Criminal Database Search
Background checks that search a Multi-State / National Criminal Database with a data file of over 500 million Offender records, including felony conviction information, state department of corrections records, and misdemeanor information. Most states records are updated on a monthly basis. This search is done through multi-state databases maintained by many different sources. Information will vary. It is important to note that multi-state criminal searches do not include all criminal records nationally and the information is not always updated regularly. It is recommended that if a multi-state criminal search is run, it should be done in conjunction with county criminal searches. Typographical, data entry and/or court filing errors can cause accuracy issues. Also, running a partial or "nickname" (i.e. running Bob instead of Robert) can create accuracy issues. If "hits" are found on the Multi-State National Criminal Database, the law requires information to be verified directly through the court of records. Additional cost can apply.
Sex Offender Search
Background checks that search sexual offender databases or registries. The registries are provided by government entities and are searched by name and are available nationally, statewide or local levels. Information provided varies by state, it can include: type of offenses, known aliases, date of birth, addresses, and whether or not registrants are in violation of registration requirements. Not all states have a registry and not all sex offenders' register. States are searched based on address information found on the application, in the Social Security trace, and in the credit report. If the applicant is a registered sex offender in a state not provided on the application or found in a SSN trace the information will not be found.
Social Security Number Trace & Validation
Background checks that search credit bureau files to provide history of the applicant's names and addresses as they originate from credit headers. This also validates the number's authenticity, as well as year and place of issuance. It is used as a criterion in checking criminal history. Search may provide last known addresses and aliases, possible date of birth, year and state of Social Security number issuance, covering a seven year period. Young applicants and individuals new to country, who might not have developed a credit history yet, might not have a SSN history. Typographical and /or transposition of numbers at the time a Social Security Number is used by a creditor to initiate a credit inquiry can create errors in the data. Interpretation of data is critical; although the search can uncover evidence of identity theft, fraud must not be assumed without further investigation such as validation directly through the Social Security Administration.
Statewide Repository Criminal Records Search
Background checks that search for criminal convictions through the appropriate state repository, covering a seven-year period for California and longer for other states. Courts are searched directly at the source via in person, court Internet websites or direct connection into the courts index. Not all state repositories are available to the public. Not all counties update their information in the state repository, creating outdated or missing information. Typographical, data entry and/or court filing errors can cause accuracy issues. Also, running a partial or "nickname" (i.e. running Bob instead of Robert) can create accuracy issues. It is recommended that all names, including alias and maiden names be run at all jurisdictions for a seven year period. This will maximize the search results and accuracy.
