Background Check Myths
May.03.2009
After our recent post about a background check that saved a client millions of dollars , some clients have called to ask how firms can offer "national criminal record checks" for $24.95.
The national criminal check is the unicorn of the industry-- a complete myth. Usually, these firms are checking a compilation of conviction data--people who actually spent time in prison. However, only a very small percentage of people charged with crimes ever do any time. National offender databases are misleading: they miss charges that have been pled out, dismissed, not prosecuted. A bit like taking a photo of someone's nose and selling it as a portrait.
The national criminal check is the unicorn of the industry-- a complete myth. Usually, these firms are checking a compilation of conviction data--people who actually spent time in prison. However, only a very small percentage of people charged with crimes ever do any time. National offender databases are misleading: they miss charges that have been pled out, dismissed, not prosecuted. A bit like taking a photo of someone's nose and selling it as a portrait.