Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is an instant criminal search?

A: An instant criminal search relies on databases that, depending on the source, are compiled from county and state agencies. For example, Texas has several counties that offer their criminal information for database compiling. Likewise, the State of Texas collects information from all the counties and offers a statewide database.

It is important to note, however, the data by nature is not current, there is always a lag between when a suspect is charged or a ruling on a case has been concluded and when the data is actually reported for data collection.

Due to delays in data received from the courts and state repositories, we recommend performing a hand search at the county level to ensure a thorough and complete search is being performed.

Q: Are instant criminal searches accurate and give me all the information?

A: An instant search is only as accurate as the state or local agency reporting the data and how often it is updated by the reporting agency. Instant database searches can be updated as frequent as daily or semi-annually. That is why it is extremely important to make sure you know ahead of time how often a search is updated. We provide descriptions of each source and how often it is scheduled to be updated.

Q. What is the difference between an instant criminal search, and an on-site county courthouse search?

A. The instant criminal search searches a database consisting of several sources to quickly check for any criminal related records. Aside from the obvious advantage of being instant it also offers a wider scope. The disadvantage is that as a database search, the records retrieved are often less detailed and not as current as an on-site county search.
In contrast, the on-site county search because it is updated as suspects are booked and court cases are filed, has the the most current information logged. It also offers more detailed case information. However, please be aware results can take up to 72 hours to return and costs are greater with a single county search.

Q: When should I use an instant criminal vs. an on-site county search?

A: If you know a subject committed an offense in a particular county, choose an on-site county search. This is where the actual records filed in that county are checked by a qualified court records researcher.

If you know someone committed an offense in a particular state but not sure where, or if the subject has moved around a state several times, try an instant criminal search (This search covers a wider area) or our identity verification search to obtain names of counties subject has resided.

We recommend that any results returned by the instant criminal searches, be followed up with an on-site county search for the specific county where the offenses were committed. This will ensure the most accurate results.

Q: If county criminal checks are considered the best approach to conducting a criminal check how do I know which counties to search?

A: First, look at the person's application to determine which city or cities the applicant has lived. Then you can use our County Locator located on our ordering page to type in the city or zip code to locate the county which needs to be searched.

Many times applicants DO NOT put on their application a location where they have had problems. So how would you know where to search if an applicant does not fully disclose all their previous addresses?

Background Checks Systems, Inc. strongly encourages the use of our Identity Verification Search. Enter the applicant's name, DOB and social security number to produce a report showing most all the locations in which he/she has lived over the past 7 years. This way you can add additional counties to your search if needed.

Q: Do you offer on-line ordering?

A: We offer a fully-functional on-line order and retrieval system that enables our clients to place orders and retrieve results through a secure web browser. The system is designed to help even the most inexperienced user to quickly order background reports. Our web-based ordering system provides partial reports; daily status updates and enables users to use a variety of methods (by name, SSN) to search through completed reports. The system also enables companies to set Administrator-level accounts and sub-accounts for multiple locations. View online demo..

Q: Why should you conduct a criminal check for employment purposes?

A: As an employer, you want to protect your business from theft and provide a safe workplace for your employees. We recommend a criminal records search for all your applicants. Use this information to identify applicants with violent tendencies or a history of theft. Background Checks Systems, Inc. provides access to criminal court records in all United States counties, state repositories where available, and federal district courts.

County Criminal Court Records - Once you decide which counties to search, your county report, either felony or misdemeanor, will provide information on any crimes your applicant may have committed. Crimes range anywhere from habitual offenses, theft, or possession of a controlled.

QUESTION: But how do you find the time to both interview and screen potential employees when being short-handed?

ANSWER: Background Check Systems assists employers by providing INSTANT employment credit reports, driving and criminal records. Our professional researchers take on the often time-consuming process of checking the references of potential employees. We'll perform comprehensive background checks of the potential employees that you have interviewed and found interesting. These checks include education: the schools attended, degree or major; criminal: workplace violence, white-collar crime, employee theft or anything affecting eligibility to be bonded; previous employment: where, when, how long, work performance and what previous supervisors, coworkers and clients can reveal as well as personal references, any of which may reflect on the individual's ability to perform to the level your business requires.