A business or organization can thrive or fail based upon its selection of employees.  When carefully researched backgrounds are conducted, clues are revealed about the potential employees that ensure proper selections are made.  Inattention to these clues can be costly to the organization financially, legally, and an impairment to everyday operations. 

I. Level of Background Investigation.

The amount of investigation needed is dependant upon two basic factors.

A) The first factor is the type of employment and the associated amount of responsibility, supervision, security, and the sensitivity required by the employment assignment.
B) The second factor is the time allotted to complete the investigation with respect personnel and the needs of the organization.

II. Areas of Concern While Conducting Background Investigations.

A) Qualifications.
B) Character and work habits.
C) Reliability and effectiveness.

III. Actions in Completing a Background Investigation.

A) Secure a release form signed by applicant including educational, military, credit / financial.
B) Check listed references.
C) Develop references not given by applicant.
D) Check local, state, and federal criminal histories and if needed, driving history.
E) Check any civil litigation.
F) Check unexplained gaps in time.
G) Verify resume thoroughly.

*** Every organization should complete a minimum background investigation which includes calling prior employer(s) and a statewide criminal history check.***
IV. Covert Background Investigations.

At times the need may arise to conduct a covert background investigation of not only applicants, but current employees.  This may present legal complications when attempting to obtain information where a release is normally needed.  However, there are many sources of information where an information release is not needed such as criminal histories, civil histories, and other public records.        

V. Sources of Information.

A) North Carolina driving license histories - NCDMV, Drivers License Section, 1100 New Bern Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27697.
B) Single county criminal or civil records are available through the Clerk of Criminal of Civil Courts. Remember a single county check only covers incidents from that individual county.
C) US District Criminal and Civil Courts.
D) NC Statewide criminal histories or out of state records are available on the internet, or from Beck Confidential Investigations Inc.
                       

****Treat All Acquired Information with Confidentiality**** 

VI.  Nuts and Bolts Questions For Your Investigation.

A) Length of time reference has known applicant?
B) Honesty, integrity, and reliability?
C) Attitude?
D) Punctuality, attendance, and appearance?
E) Financial problems?
F) Relationships with other employees?
G) Recommendations for employment?




            Norman S. Beck
          Investigator / ARS

 
     

Authorization and Release
   

I,______________________________________SSAN#_____________________ do hear by state that I am applying for employment

with______________________________________



I hear by request and authorize the release, disclosure, or divulgence of any and all information documents, records, writings, or data including educational, disciplinary, internal records, or criminal /civil records specifically or generally pertaining to me of whatever kind or nature to ________________________________,or any of its employees or agents.

I hear by authorize the release of any financial records as pursuant to the Fair Credit Reporting Act of 1996.

I realize that in applying for employment with

______________________________________ that my character and reputation will be investigated as part of the employment process.

I further release quitclaim, and forever discharge any persons, corporations, associations, or governmental agencies from any and all liability, claims, or cause of actions that I may have or ever will arising out of the release, disclosure, or divulgence of any information, documents, records, writings, or data generally possessed by any persons, corporations, associations, or governmental agencies pertaining to me.

I have read and understand the above and I acknowledge that a fax copy of this release shall be as valid as the original.  This release is valid for any persons, corporations, associations, or governmental agencies.

                       
_________________________
Signature / Date

Witnessed by this hand this ______________day of_________________20___


_________________________                    _______________________
         Notary Public                                    Date Commission Expires