How to Perform Multi-jurisdiction Criminal Searches

Explore multi-jurisdiction criminal searches. Learn how to overlap background checks for maximum effectiveness.

What is a multi-jurisdiction criminal search?

"Multi-jurisdiction criminal searches” refers to a method used to layer sources in a background check. When screening candidates, it may not be enough to simply seek records at the county, state, or federal level. Instead, combining the strengths of each source offers more thorough results. In this article, we will cover how they work, how they help, and how extensive multi-jurisdiction criminal searches can be.

Key Takeaways

• Multi-jurisdiction criminal searches can include both courthouse and database sources.

• Combining search methods can increase reach but requires utilizing the full range of approaches.

• Results may still have gaps in coverage because there is no single criminal history source that covers all crimes in the United States.

How do multi-jurisdiction criminal searches work?

Multi-jurisdiction criminal searches combine focused courthouse lookups with extensive database searches. By covering as many jurisdictions as possible simultaneously, potential records can be located across the nation. These searches may include:

Does combining searches improve accuracy?

Combining searches can yield more complete criminal history results. A Harvard study shows that database-only searches can have a 50% or more error rate due to their nature as static repositories. Focusing only on courthouse records limits results to the specific jurisdiction, potentially missing history found in additional sources. Report comprehensiveness can be improved in multi-jurisdiction criminal searches by utilizing wider database findings to narrow the search area for precise results.

Why do multi-jurisdiction searches require verification?

As part of a multi-jurisdiction search strategy, results from database sources require verification with the originating source. Since database searches may not be updated frequently, it’s important to check source records for the most up-to-date data.

Do multi-jurisdiction searches include all states?

Multi-jurisdiction background checks include only the jurisdictions that are specified in the search scope. To search state records, a Statewide Criminal Search should be included. This search is on a state-by-state basis and doesn’t cover all U.S. states. Additional searches that can help locate records across multiple states include:

• National Federal Criminal - This search covers all 94 Federal District courts at the Federal level.

• National Criminal Plus - A tool to help locate additional relevant jurisdictions nationwide.

What other searches work well together?

Beyond combining traditional criminal history searches, we see that 60% of companies that use National Criminal Plus pair it with a National Sex Offender Public Registry (NSOPR) search. While some NSOPR data is included in the national criminal database, there is no guarantee that it includes all up-to-date records.