Navigating the World of Criminal Background Checks.

What is a Criminal Background Check?

Criminal background checks are used by businesses for screening potential candidates for criminal records, past offenses and other information that may affect their eligibility for a job. This kind of background check is crucial as it helps the business in determining whether the potential candidate has past criminal activity or convictions.

A thorough criminal background check reduces risk and safeguards the reputation of businesses while supporting in building a team you can rely on.

Why are criminal background checks conducted during the hiring process?

1. Create a Safe Working Environment:

Criminal background checks help safeguard the security and well-being of current employees, customers and the workplace by identifying any previous criminal activity associated with potential employees.

2. Protect your Company's Reputation:

Employee behavior can at times have an immense impact on a company's reputation. Conducting a criminal background check protects the company's image and brand by ensuring that the potential candidates are the right fit for the company and suitable for the job.

3. Making Informed Hiring Decisions:

Criminal Background checks offer valuable data that helps with decision-making, especially when hiring new employees. They help businesses with assessing the suitability of candidates based on past conduct and behavior.

4. Helps in Building Trust:

These checks promote confidence and transparency. When an individual's background matches with what they claim, it builds trust, fostering an honest and open atmosphere.

5. Reducing the Risk of Negligent Hiring:

If an employee's actions cause harm to someone and it is discovered that an extensive criminal background check was not conducted, organizations may face negligent hiring lawsuits. Conducting a criminal background check assists with mitigating this risk.

How are Criminal Background Checks conducted in Different Countries?

1. Criminal background checks are also known as "DBS Checks" in the United Kingdom, which stands for Disclosure and Barring Service checks. Employers can request a criminal history check for any job position, but the level of screening will vary on the type of position.

2. Employers in the Philippines request for National Bureau of Investigation or an (NBI) approval. This shows if the potential candidate's criminal cases have been tried in a Municipal, Metropolitan or Regional Trial Court.

3. In the United States, candidates must offer written approval before employers can proceed with the criminal background check.

4. Criminal background checks in New Zealand can be requested from the Ministry of Justice, however they are not considered lawful unless the candidate grants their approval.

Points to consider before performing a criminal background check:

1. How long does a criminal background check take?

Depending on the type of criminal background check being conducted, it could take a few days or a week to complete the check. Your hiring process will be impacted by the amount of time it takes to complete a criminal history check, so you will need to expedite the process without losing the accuracy of the checks.

2. What kind of criminal background checks are required?

Some laws may only allow a certain level of inquiry. This is to avoid discrimination while safeguarding the individual's privacy. Therefore, it is crucial to determine which criminal background checks are relevant for the specific job role.

3. What is the cost of performing a criminal background check?

The cost of conducting a criminal background check varies based on the kind and extent of the background check, the provider selected, plus any additional services or searches requested.

4. What is the procedure for obtaining the required criminal record information?

The process for obtaining the criminal record information differs from country to country. But, the most important factor that remains common is that the candidate needs to provide approval to gather, use and store their information.

Criminal background checks must also follow all relevant regulations and laws in order to safeguard the business from penalties.

Are you ready to take your business to the next level?

Protect your company and your employees with QuadraBay’s comprehensive criminal background check services. To learn more, click here.