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Understanding the Different Types of Background Checks

Updated this week

In the U.S., criminal records are maintained at various levels—county, state, national, and federal—each serving a distinct purpose in the background screening process.


🏛️ County Background Checks

County courts handle the majority of criminal cases, making county background checks the most detailed and up-to-date source for local offenses. These checks cover:

  • Misdemeanors and Felonies: Such as theft, assault, or drug offenses.

  • Local Jurisdiction: Records specific to the county where the offense occurred.

Since not all counties report to state or national databases promptly, county checks are essential for the most accurate information.


🗺️ State Background Checks

State background checks compile records from various counties within a state. However, their comprehensiveness depends on:

  • State Reporting Practices: Some states may not have centralized databases.

  • Timeliness: Delays in county reporting can lead to incomplete state records.

It is important to note that not all states have a Statewide search. These checks are useful but may not capture all county-level offenses.


🌐 National Background Checks

National checks search multiple databases across the country, offering a broad overview. They include:

  • Multi-State Criminal Databases: Aggregated records from various sources.

  • Sex Offender Registries: National listings of registered offenders.

While they provide a wide net, national checks may miss recent or unreported county-level offenses.


🏛️ Federal Background Checks

Federal checks focus on crimes prosecuted under federal law, separate from state or local jurisdictions. These include:

  • White-Collar Crimes: Embezzlement, fraud, or insider trading.

  • Interstate Offenses: Crimes crossing state lines, like trafficking.

Such records are maintained by federal courts and are not included in state or county databases.


Understanding these distinctions helps in selecting the appropriate background checks for your hiring needs. For a more detailed exploration, you can read the full article here:County, State, National & Federal Background Checks: Where They DifferYardstik

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