Process of Finding a Background Investigator

A background check is done by scanning through all kinds of records to draw an idea an individual’s character. Millions of public as well as criminal records are available to conduct a search. After passing the Fair Credit Reporting Act, a background investigation has become an easy process. The FCRA looks after the operation of using the consumer reports. This body also ensures the legality and safety of the records.

Need to Hire a Background Investigator

Background scanners are frequently hired by both governmental as well as non-governmental organizations. A background investigation is an important part of a job requirement. A background investigator will get you information about the past employment verification, criminal history and the credit scores. This is also known as pre-employment screening. Most of the time these evidences are used to evaluate a candidate’s character, qualifications, conduct, performances, fitness and the potential recruitment risk.

It is extremely necessary to ensure national security in places of trucking, air transportation, entry ports, etc. Landowners, educational institutions, corporate bodies and the general pubic may also hire investigators.

Several people appoint investigators to spy on their spouse. The private background investigators may also render assistance in personal injury cases and civil liability, claims and fraudulent cases involving any kind of insurance, premarital screening, child custody cases, etc.  

Sometimes, for specialized information, these investigators directly contact federal courts and obtain hard copies of courts records which may not be available to everybody. Background investigators are also required to examine the potential government employees for the cause of national security and safety clearance.

These screenings help to determine the accuracy and authenticity of credentials and documents in an application or resume. Background investigators are often required to update the existing criminal records, financial records, commercial records and several other records.

Find a Background Investigator

While hiring a background investigator do check their license. Most states require a private investigator to be licensed. To obtain this license, one must be above 18 years of age. The following states do not require an investigator’s license:

• Alaska
• Alabama
• Idaho
• Colorado
• Missouri
• Mississippi
• South Dakota
• Pennsylvania 

Sometimes the local law enforcement agencies of a particular state may impose a licensing law. Similarly, the licensing systems may also vary according to the cities and counties. You can find a background investigator in several government agencies as well as private investigating agencies.

Search these agencies both online and offline and get in touch with an experienced investigator for proper results. Make sure that the background investigator you are hiring is specialized for the required purpose.

How does a Professional Investigator Work?

A professional background investigator will work according to his expertise. Depending on the type of information that needs to be retrieved, the investigator conducts a step-by-step search. In the process, the inquirer will check several records, utilize other information sources, interview the necessary individuals, consult phone and address directories, check through online resources and also obtain documentary evidences. After completing all these tasks the investigators will collect the data, arrange and compile it accordingly for your convenience.

Sources of information may be:

• County records
• State records and public records
• Criminal records
• National sources (for e.g. national records of schools)
• Databases, which include both national and private
• Local sources (utility companies, libraries, neighbors

They also make standard and non-standard correspondence work on the reports and maintain compliance with all types of procedures and policies. A background investigator also tackles a number of documents like employment references, character reference checks, gaps in the employment history, education checks, identity and address details and few others which have been already explained above.

Verifications on education records are done by looking into the school reports, grades, degrees and professional qualifications. Sometimes passports and driving license checks are also conducted for specific purposes.

Documents like incarceration records, criminal records and court records are most commonly researched. Criminal records also include an FBI Identification Record or Rap Sheet.

Some people also appoint investigators to research their own records. The United States Department of Justice Order 556-73 codes the rules and regulations for retrieving a copy of someone's own reports. The Criminal Justice Information Services Division handles such requests.

There are several online search portals which are categorized under different requirements. Endless databases are available, which are fed with all updated and checked information. These Advanced Research Systems (ARS) are extremely reliable and authentic. Some searches can even be started with the surname of the person.

An investigator can start searching even using minimum available information. He may examine the citizenship, working status and immigration information about an individual.

Litigation records also provide useful details for a background investigation. Before hiring drivers, DMV records, DUI records and professional licenses are checked.

Records on drug tests, employment records, travel records, SSN (Social Security Number), court dockets, financial records and physiological and psychological inspections are equally inspected as a part of the process.

Results Delivered by a Background Investigator

Inquirers also look through public records like marriage records, phone records, death records, divorce records, bankruptcy records, maiden names, neighbor checks, credit records, corporate filings and so on. Therefore, the results that are gathered are specific to the categories of search. For example, if marriage records are searched, results will include the person’s full name, spouse name, marriage dates and other registration details.

Background investigation is also essential to find missing persons, associates or to learn about land dealers, tenants and adoption parents. Details of personal interviews made by the investigator are also included. General details of a particular offender may consist of the name of the individual, addresses, past addresses, age, case numbers, file date, hearings, sentence filings and many others.