Criminal background searches come in several types. Each has strengths and limitations. Understanding them helps you choose screening that’s thorough enough to protect your business.
County criminal searches
Most criminal cases, both felonies and misdemeanors, are filed in county courts. A county criminal search checks the court records in a specific county, often by a researcher or through direct court access.
Strengths: Direct from the source, generally the most current and complete records for that county.
Limitations: Covers only the counties searched. If the applicant has a record in another county, it won’t appear.
Statewide criminal searches
Many states maintain centralized criminal record repositories. A statewide search checks that repository.
Strengths: Covers multiple counties at once.
Limitations: Quality varies by state. Some repositories are incomplete, delayed, or limited to certain offense types. Some states don’t offer public statewide searches.
Federal criminal searches
Federal courts handle crimes that violate federal law, such as mail fraud, tax evasion, and certain drug and weapons offenses. These cases won’t appear in county records.
Strengths: Covers federal offenses, important for financial and executive positions.
Limitations: Doesn’t cover state or county cases.
National criminal database searches
These searches compile records from many sources, such as corrections departments, sex offender registries, and some court data.
Strengths: Broad reach, helpful for finding records in unexpected places.
Limitations: Not every jurisdiction is included, and data may be outdated or incomplete. Records found should be verified at the source before being used.
The layered approach
The most reliable screening combines searches. A common approach:
- Use an SSN trace to identify past addresses.
- Run county searches in those locations.
- Add a national database search to find other jurisdictions.
- Verify any database hits at the county level.
- Add statewide and federal searches as needed.
Elite Services background searches
Elite Services Workplace Screening provides layered criminal background searches nationwide, helping you make informed hiring decisions with confidence.
Ready to protect your workplace? Elite Services Workplace Screening provides nationwide drug testing, DOT compliance, background searches, MVRs, and E-Verify. Call 888-738-9297 or contact us online to get started.
This article is for general information only and is not legal advice. Laws and regulations change; consult qualified counsel about your specific situation.