JohnSmithEmployers want to know if candidates are suitable for a particular position before presenting them with an offer. Therefore, they will likely do a criminal records check to gather the applicants’ criminal information, such as past convictions, criminal charges, indictments, and fines, to decide if hiring them is a wise choice.
Otherwise known as a criminal history check, this investigation could be the main factor deciding whether you bag your dream job or retain it. That’s why you should learn more about it before applying for the opportunity you’re eyeing.
Here are 12 questions that may arise during criminal records check and their answers.
Are all criminal records public?
The public can access most criminal records to know if an individual has been convicted. However, some may be expunged, especially if the criminal cases were dismissed after a specific period. Consequently, as an employer, you can’t dig up a candidate’s criminal history since it will be sealed. If you’re a recruiter, seek trustworthy criminal background check services from reputable websites to uncover a potential employee’s criminal record.
How long will prior arrests stay on a person’s record?
Arrests remain on a person’s record forever unless they’re sealed. Even if you change your name for any reason, the criminal record doesn’t disappear. So your potential employer and other interested parties can still track it.
Who should you perform a criminal history check on?
You can run a criminal records check on all potential employees to see if they’re fit to join your team. According to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), safety is one of the primary factors motivating employers to perform these background investigations. This helps prevent crimes such as violence, sexual harassment, and theft on business premises.
Many employers also conduct criminal history checks on their candidates to figure out if they can be productive and reliable if hired.
What do criminal record check services provide?
Criminal history check services offer information about an individual’s police service records, any court files against them, and unsealed court outcomes for the crimes they may have committed. Still, different jurisdictions have varying procedures for recording, storing, and sharing a person’s criminal records. Therefore, the details provided might exclude sentences under provincial status and local records where a conviction wasn’t issued.
How are criminal records checks conducted?
Companies providing criminal history checks can perform the investigations over the phone or online, depending on the method they deem most convenient. Others may contact the person to know their criminal history.
Companies usually conduct criminal background checks after applicants have filled in the required forms. While the process is essential for all potential employees in some firms, it’s only necessary for certain positions in others.
What are applicants’ rights during criminal records checks?
Although employers can lawfully investigate a potential employee’s criminal history, they shouldn’t discriminate against them based on categories like sexual orientation and race. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) advocates for fairness and equality in workplaces and is ready to help applicants discriminated against seek justice.
Can you fire employees based on the information you uncover during a criminal records check?
In most states, employers have the right to terminate an employee’s contract if a criminal records check gives them a valid reason to. Most companies have disciplinary committees that review the cases and determine the best course of action based on the crime committed.
Do criminal records checks include drug tests?
Criminal history checks don’t usually include drug tests unless they led to the person’s conviction. Even so, the details of the test will still be unavailable.
How much do criminal records check services cost?
The cost of a criminal history check varies from one company or website to another. While some may charge as little as $20, others can ask for up to $500 or more.
10. What can you do after a criminal records check reveals something negative about a potential employee?
Many companies depend on criminal records checks to bring the right talent on board. Unfortunately, most don’t hire applicants after uncovering their criminal record.
But it might not always be the best decision. A comprehensive background review could shed light on the incident or circumstances that motivated the crime. Giving the candidate an opportunity to explain themselves is also advisable before rejecting them.
11. Is criminal records check different from a background check?
A criminal records check discloses an individual’s criminal information, including prior convictions for felonies and other crimes, criminal charges, and penalties. On the other hand, a background check provides more details about the person’s life, including their:
- Current and previous employers
- Marital status
- Education history
- Social media search history
- Current address
12. Which databases are used to perform criminal records checks?
You can get a person’s litigation-related information from National Criminal Databases, the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), and the FBI Identification Record. Alternatively, consider the state, district, and the Supreme Court’s public records to know if someone has been involved in criminal activities.
Conclusion
Companies use criminal records checks to hire the best employees and keep other members of their organizations safe. More often than not, these investigations take 2-5 business days, depending on the service you hire. Nonetheless, that’s a short period, meaning recruiters can make the most convenient hiring decision quickly.
