Who Performs Background Checks?

In today’s world, where integrity and trustworthiness are paramount in professional and personal dealings, the question “Who performs background checks?” is increasingly relevant. Prospective clients in search of a new background screening provider are looking for companies that are not only comprehensive and fast but also affordable and compliant with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and local and state laws. This article explores the entities responsible for conducting background checks, the reasons behind their necessity, and the process involved in executing a thorough background investigation.

Entities That Perform Background Checks

Background checks are performed by a variety of entities, depending on the purpose and scope of the check. These entities include:

Employers: Many employers conduct background checks to verify the information provided by job candidates and to ensure they are hiring individuals who are not only qualified but also do not pose a risk to the workplace or its clientele.
Landlords: Background screenings are used by landlords to vet potential tenants, focusing on their rental history and financial stability.
Consumer Reporting Agencies (CRAs): These agencies specialize in background checks, compiling reports from public records and other sources for their clients, which can include employers, landlords, and other entities requiring background information.
Government Agencies: Certain government positions require background checks to ensure individuals meet security and trust criteria.
Non-Profit Organizations: To protect their clients and uphold the integrity of their missions, many non-profits conduct background checks on their employees and volunteers.

Why Many Companies and Organizations Run Background Checks

The reasons for conducting background checks are multifaceted:

Safety and Security: Ensuring the safety of employees, volunteers, and clients by screening out individuals with violent or criminal backgrounds.
Integrity and Trust: Verifying the credentials and honesty of potential hires or tenants.
Legal Compliance: Meeting industry regulations and avoiding negligent hiring lawsuits.
Risk Management: Mitigating risks associated with fraud, theft, and other unethical behavior.

Statistics:

Over 70% of companies conduct criminal background checks on all job candidates.
Employers who conduct background checks can reduce turnover caused by employee theft by up to 30%.

How Background Checks Work

The process of conducting a background check involves several key steps:

Consent and Collection of Information: Obtaining consent from the individual being screened and collecting necessary personal information.
Research: Accessing public and private records, including criminal records, employment history, educational background, and, when relevant, financial records.
Verification: Ensuring the accuracy of the information collected, often involving contacting previous employers, educational institutions, and other organizations.
Compilation of Report: Creating a comprehensive report of the findings for the entity requesting the background check.

Common Components of a Typical Background Check

Criminal Records Check: Searches for any criminal history at the county, state, and federal levels.
Employment Verification: Confirms past employment, including positions held and durations.
Education Verification: Verifies degrees and certifications.
Credit History: Assessed for roles that require financial responsibility.
Drug Testing: Conducted as part of the screening process for many jobs.

Conclusion

When it comes to answering the question, “Who performs background checks?” it’s clear that a variety of entities undertake this important task for numerous reasons, from enhancing safety to ensuring compliance with legal standards. For those seeking a reliable partner in this process, EDIFY Background Screening offers comprehensive, fast, affordable, and FCRA-compliant background check services.

Prospective clients looking for a trusted consumer reporting agency will find that EDIFY Background Screening has the experience and technology to conduct thorough background investigations efficiently and affordably. We encourage you to reach out to us to learn how we can assist in meeting your background screening needs.

For more information, please contact EDIFY Background Screening at 336-283-0237 or visit our website at www.edifyscreening.com. Let us help you make informed decisions with our comprehensive background check services.

By Zia Rhodes|2024-03-12T16:52:02-04:00February 29th, 2024|WHO|Comments Off

About the Author: Zia Rhodes

Zia Rodes is a dedicated Customer Success Manager at EDIFY Background Screening, where she plays a crucial role in ensuring client satisfaction across various screening services including employer background checks, tenant screenings, and comprehensive drug tests. With her deep expertise in conducting criminal background checks, evaluating eviction and credit histories, and ensuring accurate drug test results, Zia brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that aligns perfectly with Edify's commitment to service excellence and integrity. At EDIFY, Zia is renowned for her meticulous attention to detail and her ability to tailor solutions that meet the unique needs of each client, from small businesses to large corporations. Her approach is always grounded in the company’s core values of transparency, ethics, excellence, and compassion. She understands that every interaction is an opportunity to reinforce trust and reliability, ensuring that clients not only receive thorough background checks but also experience a process that is as smooth and transparent as possible. Zia’s extensive understanding of background screening processes, from criminal background histories to detailed checks of credit and eviction records, makes her an invaluable resource for clients needing diverse background check solutions. Her dedication to exceeding client expectations helps EDIFY stand out as a leader in comprehensive and trustworthy background screening services.