Question
The National Criminal Database Search casts a wide net to search for potential records. Although this search is extensive, the records returned are often incomplete, lacking identifying information and/or the final disposition of the case (for example, whether the case was dismissed).
When a potential record is identified in the National Criminal Database Search, what happens next?
Answer
The report is automatically upgraded using County Level Verification to ensure that public record information is complete and up to date. This means that Checkr then runs a search in the county indicated by the National Criminal Database, with the goal of obtaining:
- Additional identifiers to determine whether or not the record belongs to the individual in question; and
- Up-to-date case information (such as disposition or status)
In addition, Checkr also sends a “Contemporaneous Notice” or “613 Notice” to the candidate. The County Level Verification and the notice help Checkr comply with Section 613 of the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
When a County Criminal Check was not ordered as part of the background check package but there is a hit on a National Criminal Database Check, please expect a County-Level Verification fee and possible county-level passthrough fees to appear on your invoice.