According to Richard White, Strategic Partnerships Director at VICTIG Screening Solutions, “Though commonly used, irregardless is not a word in the English language, and a database search is not a background check.”
Database searches are used commonly to do a criminal background check, but ironically, it is not a “real” background check. A “National Criminal Database search” sounds like it would be very inclusive of an individual’s complete criminal history. As those of us in the background screening and human resources industries know, this couldn’t be further from the truth.
Justifacts.com asks the question, “Do they (National Criminal Database searches) include the individual’s full criminal history? Is this information really available within a few minutes and only with the click of a button?”
The answer to this question is no. There is no such thing as a true “national” criminal database search. In fact, in many cases, there is no such thing as a true “state” criminal database search.
Why?
A database can be incomplete for a number of reasons. Here are several:
- A state’s criminal database may not contain records from all of the counties within the state.
- The records that are reported may be incomplete.
- Some databases only contain records when a state correctional facility was involved.
- The database is static and does not contain updates as a particular case progresses.
- The information in a database might be stale, and often times only updated on a monthly or quarterly basis.
With so many loopholes in background searches, it is important to work with a background screening company that understands the complexity of background checks, and one that will work with you to provide background checks that are as complete and accurate as possible.
Richard goes on to state that, “Here at VICTIG, while we can’t do much to help you stop using the word irregardless, we can help to provide you with the knowledge and expertise to deal with the complexities of the pre-employment screening process.”
