| Multi-State/National
Criminal Database Search |
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Multi-State National Criminal Database is a data file
of over 38 million Offender records, including felony
conviction information, state department of corrections
records, and misdemeanor information. Most states records
are updated on a monthly basis. The file also contains
over 8 million alias names and nearly 68 million offenses.
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.
A search for 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.
Search of 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.
Search of sexual offender databases or registries. The
registries are provided by government entities and are
searched by name and are available on a national, statewide
and 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 offender’s
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.
Search of 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.
