Dear Argus-Search Clients,

Every once in a while, it's important for us to explain how our Criminal Databases work. These databases provide an excellent and large geographical snapshot of an applicant’s Criminal History. It should be noted, however, that these databases are only as good as the courts that submit the information to the databases. Below are examples that help to explain when criminal information is not found on a database:

1) A disposition of a case is reduced which may fall below a jurisdictions mandatory reporting guidelines.

2) Police Dept's or County Courts fail to submit the records to the National Databases.

3) Untimely reporting of the County Courts or Police Dept's due to understaffed situations.

4) Conviction occurred while under age therefore information is sealed.

You are doing the right work by performing your Due Diligence in your hiring and employment screening process. An On-Site Manual Criminal Search can be an excellent and thorough tool in your research. A Court Researcher searches official criminal records of your applicant, which are contained in county files. They search for past Felonies, Misdemeanors, Sentences and Incarcerations. If you feel an On-Site Manual County Report should be included in your due diligence, please don't hesitate to let us know as we can add this to your account immediately.

If you have any questions regarding Database vs. On-Site Criminal Searches or any other screening questions, please don't hesitate to give us a call.

As always, we appreciate your business!

Your Argus-Search Team