Covid-19 Temporary Criminal Record Search Continuity Plan

As we are all aware, the Covid-19 pandemic has changed the way all of us go about our day to day lives. Modifications are necessary for the way we live as well as the way we do business.  Every organization faces unique challenges to meet their client’s needs while operating in a safe and responsible manner. At SafeScreener we are in the business of providing information to our clients which they in turn use to make critical decisions such as hiring, engaging in business relationships, and accepting volunteers.

Challenges

One of the challenges we are facing is the temporary closure of courthouses around the country.  Each day we are informed of more local court closures for undetermined amounts of time. This does not cripple our capabilities to process background checks, but it does limit our access to some information.

Fortunately, we have systems in place to re-route how we receive data when one jurisdiction is not available. For example, We’ve focused efforts to bolster electronic public record collection in jurisdictions where the information is accurate and complete.  We now have coverage of more than 1,100 vetted counties across the country.  (partial/full coverage available in AL, AR, CA, DC, FL, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, LA, MD, NC, ND, NE, NM, NV, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, TN, TX, UT, WA, WI). When digital coverage is not available, we will utilize a combination of the following sources to process criminal record searches for our clients. 

  • State repositories where available.
  • Department of Corrections data.
  • Local and national sex offender registries.
  • Digitally available federal criminal records.
  • Our national criminal record multi-jurisdiction database.

Moving Forward

While this process will keep us and our clients moving forward, we must keep in mind that local county court records are the originating source of many criminal record searches. When these records are not fully digitally accessible, and a potential conviction exists, the only legally compliant method to verify the current disposition of the criminal conviction is with on-site research.

Our temporary process will clear many searches with no records found inaccessible jurisdictions. In all other cases, the original county criminal record search will move forward automatically when the physical court is back in service. Reports will be noted when alternative sources were used in place of a county court with interrupted service.

Please note, we will not utilize this process for any client without prior approval.  A request for approval will be emailed to the requester upon the first need for substitution. We thank you for your cooperation and encourage you to contact us with questions or concerns. You can reach us at bjones@safescreener.com or 312-985-5010 x113. We are here to help!