Why Should I Include a Criminal Database Search in a Background Check?
When you’re hiring, your background check process should be as smart and thorough as the people you want to bring onto your team. That’s why one of the most important components of any pre-employment screening is the Criminal Database Search.
If you skip this step, you’re leaving the door wide open to risk.
Start Broad to Spot Red Flags Early
As we outlined in What Is a Criminal Database Search?, this search acts like a shotgun-style sweep, scanning multi-state criminal repositories, Department of Corrections records, sex offender registries, court databases, warrants, and even OFAC (Office of Foreign Assets Control) and international watchlists.
It’s fast, covers wide ground, and catches issues that localized searches often miss.
That’s why National Crime Search (NCS) starts every Featured Criminal Package with our Multi-State Criminal Database Search. It’s the best way to catch red flags before diving into more targeted county-level court checks.
Skipping It Can Lead to Blind Spots
Some companies rely only on county or state-level criminal checks tied to the applicant’s current address or resume history. That might sound reasonable—but it’s risky.
Why? Because:
- A candidate may have lived, worked, or committed offenses in states they didn’t disclose.
- County and statewide criminal searches can’t detect crimes committed outside their jurisdiction.
- You may completely miss serious red flags like felony convictions or registered sex offender status.
There’s no such thing as a true “national criminal database”—but using a wide-reaching database search is the smartest first move in uncovering relevant history from jurisdictions you might not think to check.
It’s Efficient, Affordable, and Strategic
Including a Criminal Database Search isn’t just safer—it’s also smart business.
- Cost-effective: Less expensive than running multiple manual county-level searches up front.
- Fast turnaround: Results return quickly, letting you move forward with confidence—or pump the brakes when needed.
- Time-saving: Helps prioritize which candidates should move forward based on clear red flags.
It acts as an intelligent filter—catching major concerns before deeper verification steps.
Why NCS?
Fast, compliant, and affordable background checks—powered by real people who care.
At National Crime Search, we make this easy.
- Every Featured Criminal Package includes a Multi-State Criminal Database Search as the first step.
- Our system auto-detects hits or address history that require further county-level follow-up.
- You get a complete, accurate picture—without the guesswork.
➡️ Not sure how a Criminal Database Search works?
Read: What Is a Criminal Database Search? (And Why It Should Be Your First Step)
Make Safer Hiring Decisions With NCS
Whether you’re screening one candidate or scaling up for seasonal hiring, NCS helps you start smart and stay protected. With fast access, intelligent follow-ups, and live support when you need it, our screening tools are built to keep your business moving.
Start with a smarter search. Stay compliant. Hire with confidence.
