As an employer, you have (or will have) responsibilities in every aspect of the company.  Who you hire is particularly important, and taking the right precautions in doing so is crucial.  Not only is finding a person who is ready to take on the job and work to do their best very important, but conducting a Criminal Background Check is the most important part.  This ensures, to your best ability, that known criminals out there are more likely to get caught, and you will also know the background of this person so you can use your discretion as to whether to hire them or not.

Here are 5 steps to make sure you are on the right track to performing a proper Criminal Background Check:

You must acquire the written consent from the person you wish to check their criminal background.  Without this you are not legally allowed, but you are also not obligated to hire them otherwise.

Make sure you get the following personal information from them: their FULL name, address, date of birth and social security number.

Decide the broadness this search will cover.  Will you go national with the FBI’s database, called the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), a state database or both?

Now for the fees.  Privately owned companies do conduct heir own criminal background checks, but usually government searches are cheaper. After completing the request form, continue on to follow the instructions on submission.  A lot of state agencies require a self-addressed and stamped envelope which includes either a check or money order for the fee.

Most agencies request that you pecify your preferred response, either by email or mail.
Here are a few last tips.

• This one is very important, because a mess up with this one could cost you time and money.  Be sure to pick up the right form when going through a government agency.  There are different forms for different types of organizations, for example a non-profit organization as opposed to licensing groups and individuals.
• Also, there are many different state sites that have criminal backround check forms that can be downloaded, printed, and faxed right then and there.

Good luck with finding new employees!