When hiring new employees, most employers understand the importance of background checks. But not all background checks are created equal. While many standard searches cover county and state-level criminal records, federal district searches are an essential layer of screening that many businesses overlook.
So, what exactly is a federal district search, and how does it differ from a typical criminal background check?
What is a Federal District Search?
A federal district search looks at records from the U.S. Federal District Courts. Unlike county or state courts, federal courts handle violations of federal law — which means crimes investigated by agencies like the FBI, DEA, ATF, or Secret Service.
This type of search reveals whether an individual has been involved in cases such as:
- Fraud and embezzlement
- Drug trafficking or smuggling
- Immigration violations
- Weapons charges
- Federal tax evasion
- Other crimes prosecuted under federal jurisdiction
If these cases are federal cases and not handled in county or state courts, they won’t appear in county or state-level searches. A Federal District Search fills in a critical gap in background screening.
:point_right: For more on how the federal court system works, visit the United States Courts: Understanding the Federal Courts page.
Federal District Search Options
At National Crime Search (NCS), employers have access to two levels of federal district searches:
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Federal District Statewide Search – Covers all federal districts within a given state.
This option is added to NCS’ Expanded Package ($74.95), making it a valuable upgrade for employers who want more comprehensive results. -
Federal District Nationwide Search – Extends coverage across all 94 federal districts in the U.S., ensuring maximum visibility into an applicant’s federal-level history.
Both options provide direct insight into federal court records that would otherwise be missed in county or statewide screenings.
Why Federal District Searches Matter
If you rely only on county criminal searches or criminal databases, you may never see federal-level offenses.
For example, a candidate applying for a financial role may pass a county background check with no red flags. But a federal district search could uncover fraud or embezzlement charges that directly impact their suitability for the job.
How Federal District Searches Fit Into Screening Packages
For employers who want to streamline compliance and risk management, federal district searches can be easily added to background screening packages.
At NCS:
- The Statewide Federal District Search is added to the Expanded Package ($74.95).
- The Nationwide Federal District Search is available as an add-on for the most comprehensive coverage.
This flexibility ensures you can tailor screening to your risk tolerance, industry, and budget.
Learn More: Why Include a Federal District Search?
Understanding what a federal district search is just the beginning. The real question for HR managers and small business owners is: Why should I include one in my screening process?
👉 Check out our follow-up post: Why Should I Include a Federal District Search in My Screening Process?
Why Choose NCS for Federal District Searches?
At National Crime Search, we make it easy for businesses of all sizes to access federal-level searches with confidence. Our screening services are:
- Fast – Results delivered quickly to keep your hiring process moving.
- Compliant – Always aligned with FCRA and industry regulations.
- Affordable – Options to fit businesses of every size.
- Human-powered – Real researchers ensure accuracy and clarity.
