7 Reasons Why You May Need a Criminal History Check

A criminal history check, in Connecticut and beyond, is an essential tool that people,  businesses, and institutions use to make informed decisions about the people they interact with. These screenings give you a glimpse into a person’s past, help you avoid potential risks, and give you peace of mind. But when exactly do you need such a background check? Let’s explore some of the most common scenarios where criminal history checks become necessary.

Why do people need criminal background checks?

The main purpose of criminal background checks is to verify someone’s trustworthiness and integrity and see if they’re a good fit for specific situations. Here are some key situations where individuals or organizations may need to perform these screenings:

1. Hiring new employees

One of the most common reasons for a background screening is hiring new employees. This is because employers generally want to make sure their workplace is safe and productive, especially for roles where work duties include dealing with sensitive data, finances, or vulnerable populations. 

But it’s not just companies that request this type of screening. Families who are looking to hire caregivers, nannies, or domestic workers often ask for this to keep their loved ones safe and maintain trust. Given the nature of these roles, a look into the criminal history of a potential hire can give those requesting it peace of mind.

2. Screening tenants

Landlords often ask for background reviews as part of the tenant screening process. They want to make sure new tenants don’t pose any risk to their property or other residents. This helps prevent things like damage to the property, drug-related activities, or violent behavior. Similarly, people looking for roommates may use these checks to protect themselves and keep their environment safe and comfortable.

3. Business partnerships

Before you enter a business partnership or make a significant investment, it’s important to know who you’re dealing with. A background check can show if someone has a history of fraudulent activities, financial crimes, or other criminal conduct that could put your business at risk. Whether you’re forming a partnership, merging with another company, or investing in a new venture, this type of vetting helps you make informed decisions and protect your money.

4. Professional certification

Many professional fields require background verification before they grant you a license or certification. This is especially true for professions that involve a lot of trust and responsibility, like those related to healthcare, teaching, law, or finance. Checking someone’s criminal history helps keep the standards in these fields high and guarantees that only qualified individuals with clean records can serve in these roles.

5. Foster parent reviews

This kind of vetting is typically mandatory for anyone looking to become foster or adoptive parents. It’s usually agencies that request background checks to make sure that children are placed in safe, nurturing home environments. They want to prevent any situation where a child could be harmed or neglected and to create the best possible setting for their well-being and proper development.

7. Checking yourself

It’s usually third parties who request them, but you can also check your own records. Why would you need to do this? Keep in mind that a lot of criminal record information isn’t readily available to the public and that there’s a huge difference between results you’d get from a professional criminal history investigation vs an online database search.

Though there are limits to what a criminal history review can show, third parties usually use a trusted source to get as much information as they can. Knowing this, it makes sense that someone would like to take a look at their own record to see what potential employers, landlords, or anyone else could find.

Where can you find a reliable firm for a criminal history check in Connecticut?

Need a criminal history check? Thinking about hiring a private investigator to handle it? Look no further than Blackledge Investigations. We’re a team of qualified, skilled, and experienced private investigators who offer a wide range of services. Our knowledge, access to crucial data, legal expertise, and meticulous approach guarantee that we’ll find, uncover, or verify any record respectfully and within the bounds of the law.

Whether you’re located near Center Memorial Park right here in Manchester, another part of the city, or beyond, we’ve got you covered throughout Connecticut and the whole country. Don’t take any chances, reach out to us today!