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Criminal Background Checks

Did you know 1 in 4 U.S. adults has a criminal record? This means employers are highly likely to encounter job candidates or applicants with a criminal history during their hiring process.

As a result, conducting a criminal background check on potential employees has become an essential part of the recruitment and selection process for many companies. At KRESS, we offer comprehensive criminal background checks to help businesses make informed hiring decisions and maintain a safe work environment.

With over three decades of experience, KRESS stands out in the realm of criminal background checks. Our expertise extends to the nuanced laws and terminology of various states, provinces, and countries, helping us to navigate the complex landscape of Criminal Record searches in over 200 countries.

We stand proud as one of the few screening providers selected for the Basic Pilot Program, working alongside the Social Security Administration and the Department of Homeland Security. This recognition is a testament to our reputation for safeguarding confidential information across state lines and international borders.

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Why Criminal Background Checks Are Essential

Reduce Workplace Violence

Ensuring the safety of the workplace is paramount. Criminal background checks act as a preventive measure by identifying individuals with violent pasts before they become part of the work environment.

Comply with Legislation

Many industries are mandated by law to conduct criminal background checks, ensuring that their workforce meets the legal requirements. This helps companies avoid hefty fines and legal complications.

Protect Company Assets

Employees with a history of theft or fraud pose a significant risk to company assets. Background checks help identify such risks beforehand and safeguard the company's financial and intellectual property.

Preserve Company Reputation

The reputation of a business is vital for its success. Employing individuals with criminal backgrounds can lead to public relations issues and erode customer trust.

Enhance Hiring Quality

Background checks contribute to better hiring decisions by providing comprehensive insights into an applicant's past. This leads to a more qualified and reliable workforce, enhancing overall productivity and morale.

Build Your Team with Confidence

Don't compromise on the safety and integrity of your workspace. Start implementing comprehensive criminal background checks and build your team with confidence.

  • Streamline the hiring process by identifying potential risks early on.
  • Mitigate the risk of workplace violence.
  • Ensure adherence to industry-specific regulations.
  • Safeguard your company's assets from potential theft or fraud.
  • Maintain and enhance your company’s reputation.
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Testimonials

Hear From Our Clients

5 out of 5 stars
“Your “invite the applicant” option has changed my life! I can order more than a dozen background checks in about ten minutes!! That’s awesome!! I don’t have to fax or scan the resumes anymore and I don’t have to be the go-between person emailing the candidates and getting back to the screening company. I swear it has changed my life!!!! Keep it up KRESS!!!”
5 out of 5 stars
“Your service has proven to play a vital part in our hiring needs. In our environment, we always anticipate a certain amount of turnaround in our sales department. I feel confident we are making a better hiring decision because of your service and our turnover rate in that department proves it!”
5 out of 5 stars
“Awesome customer service!!!  Reports are always accurate and on time.  I have used a lot of screening companies throughout my human resources career and KRESS goes above and beyond. It makes a huge difference. Thank you!”
5 out of 5 stars
“Any HR Manager or Director that is looking for a cost effective yet highly efficient employment screening partner, I just switched to KRESS Employment Screening Inc and reduced costs by 45% and turn-around time by 20%. Call and have them show you the KRESS difference.”

How it Works

The Criminal Background Screening Process

To simplify the criminal background check process, we've condensed it into three straightforward steps:

  1. 1
    Step 1

    Submit a Request

    Begin by submitting the necessary information about the candidate, including their full name, date of birth, and social security number, if available. Also, ensure you have a signed release form from the candidate authorizing the background check.

  2. 2
    Step 2

    We Conduct the Search

    Leveraging our extensive database and interconnected networks across state and county lines, our team actively initiates the search process. Our system meticulously sifts through records to identify any criminal activities associated with the candidate.

  3. 3
    Step 3

    Review & Report

    We compile and deliver a detailed report summarizing the findings. This report encompasses arrest records, convictions, and any other relevant legal actions taken against the candidate. Should any discrepancies or notable issues be discovered, these will be highlighted.

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Get a Criminal Background Check with KRESS

Don't leave the safety of your organization up to chance. Our comprehensive and accurate criminal background screening services will give you the peace of mind you need when making hiring decisions. Choose our user-friendly platform for comprehensive, quick, and accurate results. Our experts meticulously review records for detailed reports, empowering wise hiring choices. We help you build your team with confidence, making informed hiring decisions quickly.

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Your Guide to Criminal Background Checks

Types of Criminal Background Checks

At KRESS Inc., we offer various criminal background check services to cater to our client's specific needs and requirements. These include:

County Civil Record Search

The County Court Record Search is a check used to determine any civil actions filed by/against the candidate. Court records are obtained from the county courthouses. All records include the date of filing, suit description, disposition date, entire disposition, and identifiers used to locate the case.

County Criminal History Record Search

County Criminal Record Searches are available in more than 3,000 felony and misdemeanor courts throughout the United States.

They are conducted in superior, upper, lower, and/or municipal court records and are publicly available. These criminal record searches determine if an applicant/employee has a felony and/or misdemeanor or pending criminal cases in the court being researched.

Completed reports consist of only legally reportable information, typically including the date of arrest, date of filing, charges, level of charges, disposition date, final disposition of charges, and any applicable sentence or penalty.

Federal Civil Record Search

The Federal Civil Record Search is a check to determine any civil actions filed by/against the candidate.

All federal court records include the date of filing, suit description, disposition date, entire disposition, and identifiers used to locate the case. The country has 94 federal judicial districts, including at least one district in each state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Federal records do not appear in county record information.

Federal Criminal Record Search

The Federal Criminal Record Search includes activity tried in Federal District Courts that typically involves violations of the Constitution or other federal law.

Such crimes include interstate drug trafficking, arms violations, immigration violations, fraud, and other federal statute violations. There are 94 federal judicial districts throughout the country, including at least one district in each state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.

Federal records do not appear in county or state record information.

Global Watch Search

The Global Watch Search is an instant tool that cross-references your candidate’s name against over 130 known terrorist and fugitive databases worldwide that include prohibited parties considered a threat to global and national security.

A prohibited party is defined as “specially designated nationals, terrorists, narcotics traffickers, blocked persons and vessels and parties subject to various economic sanctioned programs who are forbidden from conducting business in the United States, as well as entities subject to license requirements because of their proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.”

This search is commonly used to identify persons deemed as a threat by the United States, to identify any risks or associations that may deem an applicant dangerous, or for Patriot Act Compliance.

National Criminal Search Index (NCSI)

The National Criminal Search Index is an aggregate database search of over 300 million records from various sources throughout the United States based on name and date of birth information.

Vendors compile these records from different data sources, and they are often incomplete. We recommend using this search in conjunction with the County Criminal Record Search. Results can include arrest information, convictions, and sentencing details. Download the NCSI Source List.

International Background Checks

KRESS has more than 30 years of experience with the laws and terminology of different states, provinces, and countries. KRESS was one of a select few screening providers for the Basic Pilot Program to work with the Social Security Administration and Department of Homeland Security because of our reputation and skill at protecting confidential information across states and international borders.

All international searches are performed in accordance with the European Union and Global Information Exchange privacy rights, following the proper local protocols in each country searched. We can provide Criminal Record Searches in over 200 countries.

Download the International Turnaround Time sheet for details on available countries, the scope of search available, and the expected turnaround time of each location.

Sex Offender Registry Search

The Sex Offender Registry Search, which contains listings of more than 800,000 registered sex offenders, is compiled from violent and sex offender registries in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, which contains listings of more than 800,000 registered sex offenders.

While data or types of crimes listed in the registry vary by state, the registry consists of criminal offenses such as sexually violent offenses, sexual offenses, misconduct with a minor, production of child pornography, etc.

The Sex Offender Registry Search is valuable because it identifies a group with a disposition for repeating similar crimes. The U.S. Department of Justice identified that the recidivism rate for sex crimes is four times higher than for other crimes.

In addition, this search provides companies with increased visibility into a job applicant’s history. Even though a sex offense may not appear on a person’s record because of time elapsed, they may still be listed on the registry. Please note there are state-specific laws regarding the use of the Sex Offender Registry for employment purposes. Check with your state before using this information to make a hiring decision.

Statewide Criminal Record Search

The Statewide Criminal Record Search databases cast a wider net on determining if your candidate has a criminal record, but users are encouraged to use this search in conjunction with a County Criminal Record Search. Results can include arrest information, convictions, and sentencing details.

Compliance and Legal Considerations

Navigating the legalities around employment background checks can be a complex task. There are specific laws and regulations are in place to protect the rights of applicants and employees. These include the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) guidelines, and state-specific laws.

Employers must ensure that their background check policies and practices comply with these laws to avoid potential litigation. At KRESS, we are committed to staying up-to-date with all compliance regulations and providing our clients with legally compliant background check services.

Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)

The FCRA regulates how consumer reporting agencies can collect, use, and disseminate personal information. Employers must comply with FCRA guidelines when running background checks on employees or applicants.

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Guidelines

The EEOC guidelines ensure that employers do not discriminate against applicants or employees based on their protected characteristics, such as race, gender, religion, or national origin. It's crucial for employers to follow these guidelines to avoid violating anti-discrimination laws.

State-specific Laws

In addition to federal laws, employers must also consider state-specific laws when conducting background checks. Several states have additional regulations and restrictions on the use of criminal records in employment decisions.

Criminal Records Check FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about pre-employment background checks.

KRESS has all-encompassing packages that give you the most information in one easy-to-order package. The simple truth is that there are good reasons to do both county and state searches. In general, though, county criminal searches are the most complete form of criminal history record and background check search, requiring a researcher to visit the court and review records physically.

Statewide criminal searches are based on databases run by the state or private firms and rely on the county courts to submit records to them. Not all courts participate, so statewide databases are sometimes incomplete. However, they can be useful in augmenting the county criminal searches done in areas of known residency.

Yes, many organizations are hiring candidates with criminal records. This trend is partly influenced by "Ban the Box" laws and Fair Chance hiring practices, which encourage employers to evaluate a candidate's qualifications first, without the initial bias of a criminal record. Organizations are increasingly recognizing the value of inclusive hiring practices.

A criminal background check can reveal various types of information, including criminal convictions, arrests, court records, warrants, sex offenses, and incarceration records.

The specific information disclosed depends on the type of check performed and the laws governing background checks in the particular jurisdiction.

A criminal background check can reveal various types of information, including criminal convictions, arrests, court records, warrants, sex offenses, and incarceration records.

The specific information disclosed depends on the type of check performed and the laws governing background checks in the particular jurisdiction.

Employers typically perform criminal background checks for jobs that involve high security, trust, or safety considerations.

This includes positions in education, healthcare, finance, law enforcement, and government. Positions that involve working with children, the elderly, or other vulnerable populations often require thorough background checks.

There is growing support in the workforce for Fair Chance hiring practices. These practices promote the employment of individuals with criminal records, recognizing their potential to contribute positively to the workplace.

Many employees and employers are supportive of giving individuals a second chance to reintegrate into society and the workforce.

Employee attitudes towards coworkers with criminal records can differ. While concerns exist, many employees are open and supportive, especially in inclusive workplaces with policies for integrating these individuals. Employers can promote a positive environment by encouraging open communication and inclusivity.

The duration of a criminal background check can vary depending on the type of check and the depth of the investigation. Typically, accurate criminal background checks can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.

Employers are restricted by federal law such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and various state and local laws.

These restrictions can include obtaining consent from the job applicant, providing specific notifications, pre-employment, and ensuring non-discrimination. Employers must also comply with "Ban the Box" laws where applicable.

Reading and understanding criminal background check results can be complex, especially for those not familiar with legal terminology. At KRESS, we provide clear and concise reports that are easy to read and interpret, with support available if you have any questions.

If a background check shows a candidate's criminal history, the employer must follow all applicable laws and regulations before making an employment decision.

This can include providing the applicant with an opportunity to explain the conviction and consider factors such as the nature of the crime, how long ago it occurred, and whether it is relevant to the job.

Employers can use information from a criminal background check as part of their decision-making process. However, they must comply with all laws and regulations when doing so.

Denying employment solely based on a criminal record can lead to legal consequences and should be done carefully and with consideration.

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