Criminal History Checks: Online Databases vs. Professional Investigations

When you need to conduct a criminal background check, an investigator in CT can offer more comprehensive results than online databases. But how exactly do the results compare? While online resources are convenient and often free, they might not provide the complete picture you need, especially when important decisions are at stake. 

Read on to learn more about the differences between do-it-yourself searches and professional investigations for criminal background checks.

What kind of databases do private investigators use?

There are many possible reasons to need a criminal background check for someone, but accessing records usually involves more than just a simple internet search. Getting familiar with criminal history checks is a good first step, but you need reliable tools to dig deeper. 

Some resources are available to everyone, but they provide limited information. Often, they lack the needed depth, may not be up-to-date, and may miss records from other jurisdictions. But private investigators have access to specialized databases that could help. 

Their tools allow them to carry out comprehensive searches that provide more detailed information. Although their searches still have legal limits, experts can uncover records standard online searches often miss. Here’s why:

1. Specialized subscription databases

These experts often have access to professional databases that collect information from various sources, including local, state, and federal agencies. These services usually require credentials for access and come with fees, which means they’re impractical for an average person to use. The information that such databases feature is also regularly updated and more reliable than what you can find on free online platforms.

2. Court archives & records

Investigators know how to navigate court archives to check records that aren’t digitized or easily accessible online. For example, many older records are stored in physical files at courthouses and require in-person visits to access. They understand the procedures necessary for getting these documents and have the skill to interpret them.

3. Law enforcement connections

Years of experience allow PIs to build strong relationships in their field. This means that they are usually already familiar with the protocols for getting information from law enforcement legally, which can expedite the search process. Because they know how these agencies operate, professionals can efficiently navigate bureaucratic hurdles that may slow down an individual’s search.

4. Multi-jurisdictional searches

Crime doesn’t stop at state lines, but those online, publicly available databases often focus only on a single area and miss records from other regions. Professionals have the tools and knowledge to conduct thorough searches across multiple jurisdictions to make sure that records from all relevant locations are considered.

5. Customized searches

Every situation is unique. Professional investigators take the time to understand your specific needs and concerns, and then customize their approach accordingly. Whether you’re an employer, a landlord, or need information from someone’s criminal records for another reason, experts are committed to providing the information you need to make the best possible decisions.

Who is the best criminal background check investigator in CT?

At Blackledge Investigations, we’re your dependable team of private investigators ready to help with any criminal history check you may need. Our team brings decades of experience, in-depth legal knowledge, and access to the most powerful investigative tools available. 

Whether you’re an employer making a critical hiring decision, a landlord protecting your property, or an individual seeking peace of mind, we deliver results you can trust. We tailor our services to your unique needs and provide clear, actionable insights while strictly following all privacy laws.Whether you’re around the corner from The Shoppes at Buckland Hills mall here in Manchester or across the state, we’re ready to help. Reach out to us today for a consultation!