CBS Posts AP Report That Gets It Wrong About Background Checks

CBS got it wrong. That's after AP got it wrong.  Maybe There Ought To Be A Correction.

Regarding an artcle entitled, "AP IMPACT: When your criminal past isn't yours"
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-501366_162-57344346/ap-impact-when-your-criminal-past-isnt-yours/

I'm  not sure who the source was, but the comment, "It hasn't helped that dozens of databases are now run by mom-and-pop businesses with limited resources to monitor the accuracy of the records," misses the point as well as BAD MOUTH hard working Americans in the background screening industry. Show me the proof.

LET"S LOOK AT THE ISSUE:

ALL records are kept in databases. The courts have one. The police have one.

What background checking company monitors the records of the original sources of records they acquire?

Why should they? Can't trust the government to keep the record straight?

Fact is,  when it came to criminal records from the courts, everyone, BIG GUYS, and SMALL FRIES bought from the same sources more times than you imagined.

They had a runner (researcher) that searched the databases at a particular court and sent back a report to the company with a clear or found criminal (case) record.

Most counties only had a few (if any) runner/researchers. They were all well known. They were used by almost everyone.

The background check companies regularly check (audit) the researchers. They audit their work by sending work to them (knowing what the criminal case record should be - unless it has been expunged) and comparing it to their known results.

And if a discrepancy is found in a subject's record, to this day, researcher's are asked to do further investigation and find perhaps gather additional identifying information.

But background check companies sending researchers KNOWN CASES of IDENTITY THEFT cases  or asking to IDENTIFY EXPUNGED CASES that aren't expunged from the records and asking researchers to sort that mess out?

NEVER.

Given there are improper USES of DATABASES, the Federal Government has made certain that we know that. It created the FCRA.

About a decade ago,  The National Association of Professional Background Screeners (NAPBS) was formed. http://www.napbs.com/

The NAPBS gives MOM and POP's the opportunity to share and get information from the same sources (including the FCRA) as the BIG GUYS.  And there are plenty of MOM and POP enterprises that are PAID members of the NAPBS.

As a sidebar, if it weren't for background checking companies, the issues of court clerical erors and identity theft might never have come up.  Go back more to the late 90's and the identity theft issue started in Ohio with an identity theft, a background checking company, a Sheriff's Association, and a lawsuit.

Meanwhile, the background checking industry always relied on the small MOM and POP to gather the criminal records they needed for their reports.
The internet changed a lot (but not all) of that with online access to court records.  Many small businesses were left without business as the 'big guys' dropped them faster than a hot potato preferring to do their own online searches instead of paying the few dollars per search that was the going rate at the time.

Then came scraping. This is not a new technology.  Research would show that the U.S. Court records (PACER) have been scraped for more than a decade by many companies. The use of scraping as a competitive edge by the BIG COMPANIES anxious to please their customers with faster service has made this product what it is today. Smaller MOM and POP's buy their scraping from the BIG GUYS.

Scraping actually utilizes the live data provided by the source ( in most cases, by a court).

The databases themselves are the problem.  There's errors in most all.

But it's the correction of inaccurate records where the lawsuits lie. The story even mentions a BIG LAWSUIT:

... "(A) settlement, which received tentative approval from a federal judge in Virginia last month, requires HireRight to pay $28.4 million to settle allegations that it didn't properly notify people about background checks and didn't properly respond to complaints about inaccurate files.

HIRERIGHT is by no means a SMALL MOM AND POP company.  Except maybe by comparing them to Microsoft or Wal-Mart.

I have to consider then as false the assessment that the problem discussed in the article is databases run by MOM and POPS.

I take offense at knocking the MOM and POPS of this country.

I read the article as a  'correction of error' problem and not a 'scraping or database' issue. 

Senastionalizing the story did not help protect the innocent person harmed by identity thieves or innacurate records kept at the originating source.

Let's look out for the MOM and POP  businesses. I know of one LARGE  pre-employment screening company that grew out of their garage. Maybe a software company, coffee company, and a newspaper or two had humble beginnings, too.

Let's Make Money

We're in business to make money.
Some of us have great ideas and would like to possibly share them.
I'll listen.  Maybe work with you.
I am very interested in bright new ideas from people of all walks of life.
Background checks, publishing, sports, promotions.
Those are a few areas that i am interested.

Steven Brownstein
1-670-256-7000
findcrime@aol.com

Police Records, Court Records, Jail Records, Conviction Records, National Databases

Just a week ago I was sitting in a large court's administration office. 

The Administrator was scratching his head.

Dumb me, I asked why.

The Administrator was reviewing a resume for a court clerk's position and the applicant had attached a criminal record check result from a 'national database' provider.

Rule # 1. The power of advertising is much greater than the truth.

Not one jurisdiction this national database provided results from (can we call them results?) contained an ounce of information from where the applicant had been, ever was, never will be; like give me a break.

Rule #2. Be prepared to hear so much 'bull' that an open door to slip out of never looked so good.

Another thing you do want to do is debate a police officer, detective, cop, whatever on criminal records.

But here I am, the pot calling the kettle black.

The other day I found (rather, put) myself in the position of listening to a long winded argument that this cop knew how to check police databases here and there; that the state system was great, that they check everything, get everything.

OMG! I must have been doing background checks too long.

Never mind all the studies showing lack of records, arrestees slipping through , etc.

But just when I think I've heard everything here comes the U.S Government.

Recently, I'm working on an immigration case. No matter, that's not impotant.

What's important is that we think a little knowledge makes us experts.

Talk about arrogance! (maybe mine?)

This government official (actually a nice person) really did believe that she could check online to get the records they need to do a background check.

And that's what they do!

Sorry to inform you that this government official is the head of a District's immigration policy.

Worse, they might use this information against you or a friend someday.

Really, though, I have been proved wrong many times.

But, I listen and (hopefully) learn.

That is Rule #3. Keep an open mind. (probably Keep Your Mouth Shut should follow!)

The hardest thing I find to do is change.

After many years of repetitive work, it all becomes so routine.

But, someone someday will spring something new on me.

Always happens. Can't wait.

Call me an eternal optimist.

Happy Holidays.

Criminal Record Retrieval In Saipan And Guam

The Only Criminal Record And Background Check In Saipan And Guam

Steven Brownstein provides the only local public record access service to Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands.
Despite what other ads might read about record retrieval in saipan - I see ads that say, ".... offers background record and criminal history searches in Saipan designed to yield results not available through public access or common free"  and  "Saipan Divorce Records Live Searches. Perform Saipan, Mp Divorce Records lookup against our nationwide ... Court Records Criminal Records Arrest Records ..." - these companies are not on Saipan nor Guam; Note: They do not perform criminal or public record searches in Saipan, Guam, or The Mariana Islands.

Based in Saipan, with easy access to Hagatna, Guam,  Steven Brownstein provides all public record services through Straightline International (http://www.straightlineinternational.com/).

When you are ready to order your records search, public document, or filing service in Saipan or Guam contact Steven directly.
1-670-256-7000
1-866-909-6678
steveb@search4crime.com
info@straightlineinternational.com

 

Read steven Brownstein's newspaper online. The Background Investigator (http://www.thebackgroundinvestigator.com/)

 

Great Quote From Steven Brownstein

Great quote from Steven Brownstein:

"..what does surprise me is the number of young adults that move off island, not paying a traffic citation, and then having a warrant issued for their arrest."

"That does not look good on a resume."

This applies to everyone.  Thinking about getting a job?  Even though there is only one Steven Brownstein, there are enough wanna-bes that will be looking at your record every time you apply for one that it's almost impossible to cover up a checkered past.

Your best bet, don't get arrested. Period.

Can -do Foreign Criminal Record Searches

Many Pre-employment compnaies are forgetful that they check courthouses in the USA and not police departments for criminal records.
One difference they forget to note is that a criminal record at a court is not the same thing as a criminal record at the police staion.

If I were a betting man ;), maybe I'd wager that criminal records, not all but many, found at the police department are not FCRA complaint.

That is, there is no disposition of charges given, let alone the 7-year rule.

So be it, amnesia runs rank among the pre-employment cognosci, so much I hear about police records in foreign countries, blah, blah, blah.

How that;s how it's done, blah , blah, blah.

How third parties can't get them, blah, blah, blah.

The real hoot about the absent-mindeness is this - the pre-employment's can't get FBI records in the USA, either!

Blah, blah, blah.  Money talks.

Court records is the language money talks in the USA. 

Foriegn records.  I hear the greenbucks flying away out the hands of the doom. gloom, and naysayers and into the hands of the 'can do-ers.'

Cool Hand Steven Brownstein

Not unlike Paul Newman, the real Cool Hand, Steven Brownstein has made his mark on the pre-employment screening industry by first opening up a forum where companies and individuals in the background check industry could converse - openly and publishing the 'real deal,' The Background Investigator (www.thebackgroundinvestigator.com), a monthly newspaper found online and also mailed as a very popular print edition.
What's remarkable is that the pre-employment screening industry would even talk to itself.  The worst kept secret was the method that they used to obtain criminal records.
The joke was on us because it turned out veryone was pretty much using the same sources and denying it to anyone who would listen.
In stepped the cool hand.
Steven Brownstein promoted the first ever pre-employment screening conference almost a decade ago.  Now everyone wanted to talk .
He has promoted nearly a dozen more such conferences since.
We're still talking.
This year, 2011, he has taken time off due to his busy schedule, so there is no conference. He is currently on his way to Hong Kong and Bangkok to meet with several of his key researchers.
But he promises an invigorating 2012 schedule that includes many new innovations and methods for providing criminal records to the background screening industry.
And that might include a conference or two.
I've got to Hand it to him, that's Cool.

Avoid Criminal Record - Get Good Job

As one of the world's foremost experts on criminal background checks, Steven Brownstein should be listened to.

Brownstein catches us off guard with, "It amazes me how young people today are not taught more than just good morals.  They should be taught not to get caught."

Being taught g ood morals is somewhat disputable these days. But not getting caught?

"Hey, he continues, "I mean don't commit the cirme to begin with and keep your trash off of social networks such as Facebook and Twitter.  I can't begin, well, yes I can, tell you how many background checking firms are offering WebSite and Internat based searches designed to trip you up."

Brownstein's words ring the bit of wisdom he does profess.  A recent Google search of "facebook background check" came back in seconds with more than 106 million results; the top ones being companies offering Facebook and Twitter checks.

Brownstein quite seriously suggests, "Keep a low profile on the Internet or you'll end up paying for it with job offer refusals or lower pay. And criminal records?  Come on.  We all know it's public record.  Get caught drinking underage, pulling off some stupid party prank that gets you busted, the list of idiotic things we do can only get you the same result - unemployed."

Some states have drafted and passed laws disallowing use of certain criminal records, even going so far as to declassify them as criminal making them lesser offenses called violations.  These violations are in turn not usuable in making an employment decision.

"Maybe in some other world," adds Brownstein, "not this one. Get a criminal record, even a minor one, whatever you may call it, 'violation, misdemeanor, ordinance offense, and you think the HR department is going to ignore that?  Especially when there are tens of more applicants that come up clean?"

We're afraid we have to agree with Brownstein.  The best bet woud be to walk the straight and narrow and keep your life off the social networks.  But what a boring life.  There's got to be some better way.

We're Still Receiving Leading-on Promises About International Criminal Record Search Turn-around Times

I can't believe that after 20+ years in the pre-employment screening biz that I (and you) receive ads, contemporarily in the form of E-Mail, that make outrgeous claims of international criminal record turnaround.

The ad also implies civil searches, employment verifivations and what-nots!

I know the FTC is too busy with the big guys to track down this Calif. company; some wish they did.

I don't want them shutdown - just shut up.
Or at least have them start telling the real story.

One pre-employment screening expert says they re using some meaningless database,;incomplete, and I mean incomplete.

I would be embarrassed and ashamed to use it for any reason.

I have no idea what this Calif. company is thinking.

Maybe trying to steal business with trickery and sleight of hand.

Like in once they got you the truth can come out.

Use them and I hope you have plenty of E&O insurance.

You're going to need it.

9% Of All Background Searches In Saipan Turn Up As A Criminal Record

In a recent nationwide survey by PRRN (The Public Record Retriever Network) taken nationwide, Steven Brownstein, the only background investigator west of Hawaii, found that 9% of all criminal background searches resulted in a record in Saipan.

Probably, you have seen Steven Brownstein's name pop up on the internet; his criminal record retrieval ads appearing on such Sites as the Saipan Tribune and the Marianas Variety.

"It's not rocket science or anything like that," admits Brownstein.

"But I have been at this more than 20 years."

"It (background checks) comes second nature to me."

Most of his previous experience has been in two of the largest metropolitan areas in the USA - Chicago and New York City.

But coming to work in Saipan is no let down, either.

Brownstein continues, "Convincingly enough, Saipan presents as much a challenge as the rest of the USA when it comes to getting the facts."

"A careful inspection of all criminal records and second guessing local Police Clearances takes a certain amount of skill."

An understanding of the CNMI (Saipan) judicial processs helps, too.

"There is never an area where I go to work," admits Brownstein, "that I don't begin by learning the Judiciary and their system."

Brownstein has been a member of NACM (National Association of Court Managers) for most of a decade and a half, and has served on the Membership Committee with past Alanta (Fulton County) Clerk of Court, Juanita Hicks.

"My experience with the Clerks of Courts has been tremendous in my continuing education and has provided a number of sources for quick record retrieval and turnaround."

"I can't say that I haven't used that to my advantage."

Many a television network and large metropolitan newspaper have used Brownstein on numerous occasions for information on a fast breaking story.

Coincidentally, Brownstein publishes a newspaper specifically for the background screening industry, http://www.thebackgroundinvestigator.com/

The Background Investigator has a circulation in the thousands and is used as a tool of reference by hundredes of pre-employment screening companies
.
Brownstein is also an investigative reporter and a member of IRE (Investigative Reporters and Editors).

"It pays to get the facts."

Concluding, Brownstein had this to say, "It doesn't surprise me that there is a 9% hit ratio (the percentage of criminal records found) in Saipan."

"But. what does surprise me is the number of young adults that move off island, not paying a traffic citation, and then having a warrant issued for their arrest."

"That does not look good on a resume."

October 2011 Background Investigator Newspaper Now Onliine

The October 2011edition of The Background Investigation is now available for your viewing.
Some articles of interest are about courts using Facebook, novel ways criminals beat cases, and how Texas schools are filing cases against their students.
This and more at http://www.thebackgroundinvestigator.com/

Truck In Way - Court Closed

Authorities closed a 3-block stretch of Tucson, Arizona, and evacuated a nearby federal building September 28 after a suspicious vehicle was spotted by U.S. Marshals, police said.
A search of the vehicle, a white box truck, turned up several metal boxes of ammunition and duffel bags filled with clothing, a Tucson police spokeswoman told Reuters.
"There's no indication that there are any explosives inside the vehicle." She said investigators were speaking to a "person of interest" about the truck, and that the man was cooperating with investigators.
He was not taken into custody.
Police later gave the all-clear and opened a major street to traffic, but kept part of the area roped off as they processed the vehicle.
A bomb squad was initially called to the scene at about 11 a.m. local time after U.S. Marshals noticed the truck had been parked for an extended time near a building that houses federal bankruptcy court, the spokesman said.
About 30 people were evacuated from that building. Source: http://news.yahoo.com/tucson-police-evacuate-federal-building-over-truck- 001452978.html;_ylt=AsHqHaCbQSr3udH7ZKNxcfJvzwcF;_ylu=X3oDMTNudHY2M2cyBG1pdANUb3BTdG9yeSBVU1NGBHBrZwM1NjY2YWNiNS1hZTk0LTMxODgtYTNiMy1iNDcyODI3YTg5YjcEcG9zAzIEc2VjA3RvcF9zdG9yeQR2ZXID

Provide Maiden Name To Speed Up Puerto Rico Criminal Background Searches

If you want to speed up your Puerto Rico criminal background searches, especially for pre-employment screening, always include the Mother's maiden name of the subject requested.
You can't imagine the insanity of sciolling through hundreds or thousands of common names looking for, say, a date of birth that matches.
And anyway, the computer's database will 'time out' (freeze up) long before  you could complete the search.
Then you have to start again.
Best bet is to provide the Mother's maiden name.

Philippines Blows It With Slowed Down Results of Background Checks

The NBI in Philippines has awarded a contract to a new company to provide support for their criminal record computer syatem dramatically crushing the police clearance certificate turn around times.

Now that's good news for Straightline International; they provide court recorrd checks.

And believe it or not, half of the background checks that Straightline International has performed with the NBI has resulted in a further search of multiple courts attempting to identify the correct subject.

Similar to the RCMP (CPIC) in Canada, a hit record requires further investigation.

Anyway, the NBI used to knock their results out (albeit faulty) pretty much the same day.

How does 20+ days sound? That's their turnaround now.

Straightline International has fallen into a gold mine and their prices are low enough to ensure that your company can mine some some of those prfits, too.

Starightline is found at info@straightlineinternational.com

Steven Brownstein #1 Access To Criminal Records

Steven Brownstein is The Background Investigator

Worldwide Criminal Record Searches.

International Criminal Record Searches.

Contact me at steveb@search4crime.com

Steve Brownstein is The Background Investigator.

International Criminal Records Double Talk> Vol. (many)

I have written before how international criminal record retrievers engage in passing along information that is incorrect or is totally meanlingless, though it sounds official.

The latest is a thread going through a pre-employment screening Chat List whose topic this time is electronic signatures.

It ( the topic of electronic signatures) was going along smoothly until an international record retriever decided to add this double sided comment:

"All, I can tell you on an international basis that e-signatures are not accepted.

Only wet signatures are allowed, generally."

Here we go again.

The international expert writes first you can't (that is..he goes, "I am an expert and I'm telling you that internationally, E-signatures are not accepted."

But hold on there!  His next sentence, "Only wet signatures are allowed, generally."

That throws me for a loop,

What's the "generally" for?

Probably means that All I Can Tell You Is I'm Not Positive About My First Statement About E-signatures not being accepted.

Probably means this, too, "I just want to sound important and knowlegeable and you know, like an expert, so you will give me lots of business."

That is, (Generally Speaking).

You Can Become A Licensed Private Investigator Associate

Licensing associate private investigators around the world is available according to The Background Investigator

The Background Investigator said this offer is available to anyone 18 yrs. or older.

There is no experience required.

Licensing and government filing fees are expected to be paid by the applicant.

Contact The Background Investigator at info@thebackgroundinvestigator.com

Steve Brownstein Has Not Retired (The Background Investigator)

  Steve Brownstein, the Background Investigator, has not retired. (dated August 18,20011).

  I have found there are many individuals with my same name, one has a posting 'Steve Brownstein Has Retired.'

  Not me.

  That Steve Brownstein; I have found there are many individuals with my same name, the one I'm writing about one has a posting 'Steve Brownstein Has Retired.'

  I have had several conversations with him when he first joined the Chicago PD, he's retired. Too soon, I might add.

  He could have been on an animal cop show. He was that good.

  As a matter of fact, all of us Steve Brownstein's, we work hard.

Calif. Compnay Offereing International Record Checks In 24-48 Hrs, Bologna!

A Calif.company keeps sending E-mails around the pre-employment screening community touting 24-48 hr results on criminal record checks in over 195 countries.

My 20+ years experience and travels worldwide tell me this is ludicrous.

This company is harmful to our industry and to the companies we serve.

Buy from them at your own risk, plus have plebty E&O insurance.

A good lawyer will tear you up.

Some Background Researchers Can Drive You Nuts

Some criminal background investigators can drive you nuts.

It wasn't to long ago a Ben something from England quoted a police clearance site from the Tokyo Metropolitan Police and ascertained from it that all record checks in Japan are illegal.

It wasn't too long a go a Bill somone published a background checking book and wrote criminal record checks in Hong Kong were illegal.

It wasn't too long ago a Wayne somebody spoke at a conference (The India Background Investigator Conference) and said all types of criminal record checks were illegal.

Beware these guys - for they know not what they speak.  (soory for the imperfect quote).

They drive me nuts and cost all of us a lot of money.

When we believe them (why, I do not know) we lose when we hire the wrong candidate based on their advice not to do a search.

When we have to disprove them, it costs time and money to re-educate ourselves.

What their motives are I'll never know.  They are all beginners in the records field. Maybe that's why.

August Background Investigator Is Now Online

The August 2011 edition of The Backgrouund Investigator is now online.

http://www.thebackgroundinvestigator.com/

A Guide to How Using Straightline International's Turnaround Time Links

Go to

http://www.straightlineinternational.com/

1. Click on continent desired.

2. Choose from drop-down list the country that you want the 'average turnaround time.

Keep in mind the turnaround around times are calculated exactly, combining the last 90 days, for the whole country chosen, including all jurisdictions for that country (rural and urban areas).

You can also log on to your acct. at

https://www.search4crime-orders.com/SLIlogin.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fDefault.aspx

and search by specific jurisdictions (cities, towns, etc) for the country desired.

The 'Can't Do This' Background Check Insanity Continues

Once again, a list serve posting on the background checking association's website declared erroneously that criminal record histories are unavailable, illegal, what have you..this time in Saudi Arabia. 

I would have replied to that list serve, but it seems I can't get published there if I disagree.

So here it is...

Last time, this Englishman wrote that court records were unavailable in Tokyo.  So all the times that I went to the courthouse to pick up records there didn't happen.

Now, Saudi Arabia.  I'm not going there. I'll let the pre-e,ployment scrfeeners' sort this one out themselves.

Criminal Record Check: New York OCA Does Not Report Many Reduced Charges

The New York State Office of Court Administration (OCA) provides a New York Statewide criminal history record search (CHRS) for a fee of $65.00.

The search criteria is strictly based on exact match of Name and DOB (variations of Name or DOB are not reported. 

The OCA is not accountable to the NAPBS (National Association of Professional Background Screeners).

The OCA searches do not meet the NAPBS Provider Guidelines that are required of researchers that go onsite to perform record checks.

The search results are public records relating to open/pending and convictions of criminal cases originating from County/Supreme, City, Town and Village courts of all 62 counties.

Sealed records are not disclosed.

Town & Village criminal disposition data is limited. {They couldn't mean DUI's, could they?}
 NYS Town and Village court dispositions are not available for the period May 1991 through 2002.

As of May 2007, all Town and Village courts report to OCA.

As of July 20, 2007, data relating to non-criminal offenses (e.g., violations, infractions {They mean the majority of cases, like reduced theft or marijuana charges) will no longer appear as part of the CHRS report.

And finally, are the CHRS results provided by the Office of Court Administration certified?

Their answer: No.

This information is available at: NY OCA Website: http://www.courts.state.ny.us/apps/chrs/

24-48 hr International Criminal Record Checks Mainly Nonsense

Lately there has been a rash of criminal record retrieval ads circulating in the pre-employment screening industry for international criminal records being returned 24-48 hours after receiving them.

I know that turnaround is a key component of criminal record checks.  In fact, in the USA, the push to reduce the turnaround times has been a major factor in increasing use of background checks.

But let's face facts.  The international compnent to criminal record checks is vast and overwhelming.

There is no way most international criminal record checks can be completed in most jurisdictions in the 24-48 hr time frame.

Since most criminal record retrievers in the USA are challenged by obscure USA county searches, how in the world could they define a location in a foreign country, study their justice sytem, make contact with a researcher in that jurisdiction and get the result in 1 -2 days?

Better still, how can you or your staff believe their claims of near-instant turnaround.

I know it's your money and your business.  But if you want to keep it you had better get real with the situation.

Steven Brownstein 'About Going Global (SHRM)'

Being on the forefront, as I was before 9-11, I can testify to the changes in the global background screening industry.

Background Checks have gone global.

SHRM's 2011 annual conference proved this.

Many companies approached me to help them strengthen their "global presence."

You need an international presence . 

Major corporations have made this quite clear to pre-employment screening companies

Straightline International can be your international presence.

We will work with you to help you set up the criteria you need.

Contact me at steveb@search4crime.com

Straightline International Criminal Record Checks Expands To Mumbai

Steven Brownstein announces that a Straightline International office is being established in Mumbai, India to handle the growing global presence of their criminal record checking business in India.
Brownstein says that because the current companies offering criminal record checks in India are performing well below the expected standards, the need for a professional company like Straightline International has never been greater.
"I'm tired of their excuses."
The Mumbai office will be headed by Faheem Ebrahim, Director of Asian Operations, from his Hong Kong based office.

Hong Kong Criminal Record Searches

Seems as if a (loosely put) 'propaganda' campaign by two or more "executives" at pre-employment screening companies. I won't name them - they know who they are.
They say - Criminal records are illegal to obtain in Hong Kong.
What they mean (and they won't tell you nor do they do the work to find out what does work)..what they mean is "Police Records" are not available for use as background checks for employment purposes.
That's like saying (and it is) that FBI (USA) records are not available to pre-employment screening companies either. It's the old can't get, can't sell; nor will anyone else's product.
I'm here to tell you that if you do background checks; and who does more than companies in the USA, criminal records are available from the Hong Kong Courts. 
Just like the USA where court records are used for the criminal record portion of the background check - so it is in Hong Kong.
Here's a published link explaining Hong Kong Court Searches:
http://www.thebackgroundinvestigator.com/current_issue/index.asp?id=1127&title=The

Steven Brownstein Provides Saipan Police Clearances and Court Records

Need Saipan court records, driver license records, or police clearances?

These  records are available from Steven Brownstein.

For more information call Steven Brownstein at Straightline at 1-866-909-6678 or by E-mail at info@straightlineinternational.com

Straightline International - A Saipan based company serving the world.

Likening The Criminal Justice System To A Baseball Game

I came across this analogy while I was looking for information about the North Dakota (of all places) Judiciary.

Read on:

First Umpire: I sit there behind the plate and I watch the ball come down the groove and I call it what it really is.

Second Umpire: I can't do that, the best that I can do is watch its pattern and call it as I see it.
Third Umpire: It ain't nothin till I call it.

The prosecutorial part of the system operates under the influence and direction of the first umpire.

Like balls and strikes people are either in the groove or they are not.

Judges and juries often appear to operate under the influence and direction of the second umpire as homage is paid to the great historical charge of responsibility to listen to all of the evidence before making up their minds.

To the defense lawyer, however, it most often appears that in reality it is the world of the third umpire that most accurately describes what in fact is happening.

Pretty good stuff, right?

After watching on television the constant barrage of Law and order, CSI, Criminal Minds, Without A Trace, NCIS, Closer, etc., the above does a fine job of breaking down the sytem into simpler terms.

Straightline International Searches Further Back In Time Than Anyone

When it comes to criminal record checks for pre-employment screening Starightline International throws out the 'minimal' time requirements the NAPBS Provider Guide outlines and announces it can search some UK records as far back as the 14th century!

Here's hoping there aren't any age discrimination lawsuits stemming from some of these older applicants looking a bit past their prime!

More details will be published in the July edition of The Background Investigator. (http://www.thebackgroundinvestigator.com/)

Contact Straightline International at 1-866-909-6678 or by E-Mail at info@straightlineinternational.com

We've (Background Check Companies) Caused Problems In Canada

With a substantial growth in residential building projects and an increase in government investment in the non-residential sector, the construction industry in Canada shows great progress and potential.

Construction pumps $130 billion into Canada's economy, and all of these economic growth indicators signal that it's an ideal time to search for a construction job.

Job numbers are forecasted to increase steadily across Canada in years to come, but unfortunately, because of the rising demand for skilled workers along with a large demographic of baby boomers retiring, the construction industry is expected to experience harsh labour shortages.

On top of this, issues around criminal record checks are rising as a major barrier in the recruitment process when it comes to hiring skilled workers.

Most companies who complete record checks do not screen past the "yes"or "no", don't look into what the record was for, when it was obtained or how it may or may not impact the working environment.

Link: http://www.sys-con.com/node/1872308

A Tad About 'Ban the Box'

Those calling for 'Ban the Box' on job applications might mean well BUT,,
they should first be calling for 'Ban the Lawsuits' for negligent hiring when something goes haywire with a hire and it is found there is/was a criminal record.
No lawsuits and the employer can do what he feels best for the applicant - (maybe even hire him)

Police Records A Joke In India

One joke in India is you can find a criminal record on any politician but you can not find one on an job applicant or employee.
 Why's that?
 Did you know that most large companies in India will not even do criminal checks anymore?
 Why's that?
 Simply put - It is the local police check.
 Local police simply do not have the resources to perform a proper check.
 And historically background check companies in India provided local police checks.
 What is a local police check?
 It is a check of that police station's records for an arrest at that station. That's it. No more. But sometimes less.
 Some police stations do not have full time staff trained to manage police records. Some police stations have no staff.
 So the question is:
 Why perform a local police check?
 

Statewide Court Searches May Not Be Up to NAPBS Standards

Perhaps the NAPBS can't hold the states to task

What seems as a paradox is the NAPBS Guideline for (record) Providers.

While the NAPBS makes it clear what it wants and how it wants (records checked) from the 'mom and pop' record courthouse retrievers, it is eerily silent about the direct application (or lack of) of those guidelines to standards some states offer.

Not surprising, really.

You try telling New York you will only pay them for their search results  if they include alaises, close matches, etc..

Of course, don't forget insisting they provide you with a copy of their E&O insurance, too!

Funding Available To Serve Identity Theft Victims

Application deadline: June 15, 2011

Maryland Crime Victims' Resource Center, Inc., through an OVC grant, is seeking proposals for up to nine subawards of up to $50,000 each to create or support regional, statewide, or community coalitions to better assist identity theft victims.
The project's goal is to expand the outreach and capacity of victim service programs to serve victims of identity theft. (OVC)
http://www.mdcrimevictims.org/ID%20theft%20Network/index.html

Checking Your Indiana Driving Record For Free

  The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles has lifted the fee to view your driver record online – and it’s easy to do.
  If you want to check out your driver record all you need is the number on your driver’s license, the last four digits of your Social Security number and your ZIP code.
  Go to http://www.mybmv.com/, click on Driver Record on the left side of the page, then click on View your Viewable Driver Record, plug in the aforementioned information, and voila! You can find out how many points you have against your license as well as suspensions and restrictions (although you should already know that).
  According to a news release issued by the BMV, more than 340,000 Indiana drivers have suspended driver’s licenses. The most common question the BMV gets is from people who want to know what they have to do to reinstate a suspended driver’s license, said Commissioner R. Scott Waddell. The redesigned driver record now lists those requirements at the top of the page. If it’s a court-ordered suspension, the record provides the name and phone number of the court and the case number.
  In more good news for Indiana drivers, the cost of getting a certified Official Driver Record has been reduced from $8 to $4. Some employers require a certified driver record. It can be obtained at the BMV website or by mail.

The Background Investigator Goes To Botswana

The Background Investigator Goes To Botswana
  In a continuing series, The Background Investigator goes to various countries around the world to explore the justice systems and bring back to you their findings. This month Faheem Ebrahim visited Botswana.
Here is his report:

Obtaining Criminal Records in Botsawana
by Faheem Ebrahim,
  Botswana isn't a country that is much talked about around African nations.
  The people of Botswana will tell you, that this is because there aren't as many problems in Botswana as other neighbouring nations, and the people are friendlier.
  During my visit to Gabarone, the capital, I certianly found the latter to be true.
  A visit to the magistrates court showed a colonial looking building with plenty of character.
  The criminal registry was serviced by a local lady who was very accomodating and took me for a tour of the courthouse, and more importantly, showed me the details of the criminal record system in place.
  The system was based on microsoft access with a wide option of identifiers, and we tested our names on the system (with both of our consent of course) to ensure we did not have a case filed in the country.
  The best part about the system in Botswana is that every court is linked by the same network, therefore even though a case is filed in a different town within the country, they can still view the file in Gabarone - and vice versa.
  I was impressed with what I saw, and complimented the team on their setup.
  If only some of the larger and more developed nations around the world would take a small country such as Botswana as an example; due diligence checks would be a much simpler process!
  I look forward to visiting again soon.

New Guidelines Can Hurt Rather Than Help

  I'm still hemming and hawing about my recent experience with the NAPBS guidleline exam for USA domestic court record retrievers.
  Not about the exam, itself.
  Now it's comparing the USA domestic guidelines with the 'proposed' international guidelines.
  The international guidelines proposed by NAPBS are ambiguous at best and leave pre-employment screening comapnies at a loss.
  NAPBS is on the right track asking for feed-back from members about the international 'guidelines.'
  How I was included in the discussion of the guidelines or asked to contribute my thoughts about the proposal - I am not sure I was on 'their' list at all - I still do not know.
  I think there are many ways to do a criminal search. International AND domestic.
  NAPBS needs to be careful.
  The guidelines they put forth today might lead to employers doing their own 'nationwide' FBI searches tomorrow.
  Where will that leave us?

Macau Office Expands To Hong Kong

  Steven Brownstein and Faheem Ebrahim, annouce the opening of a new Hong Kong office for Straightline International and The Background Investigator.
  Initially, a staff of two researchers will be added enabling a more prompt return of Northern and South- Eastern Asia reports.
  Straightline's fine researchers in Tokyo, Osaka, Seoul, Busan, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Jakarta will continue as usual.
  The Hong Kong office will also provide sales support for Asian based companies plus after hour customer service work for U.S. and UK based pre-employment screening companies.
  Contact Steven Brownstein at steveb@search4crime.com and Faheem Ebrahin at faheem@search4crime.com

Background Checking's Centrally Located Criminal Search Flawed

When you check central courts, and central courts only, the habit (and now NAPBS guideline) of omitting background checks at outlying courts can look pretty irrersponsible.

Especially if the subject applicant has a misdemeanor record at one the outlying courts.  Or how about multiple misdemeanor records at an outlying court?

Take Arizona, for instance. 

Many incorporated cities or towns have a municipal court, also known as a city court or magistrate court.
Municipal courts have criminal jurisdiction over misdemeanor crimes and petty offenses committed in their city or town.

They share jurisdiction with justice courts over violations of state law committed within their city or town limits.

Also,  each county  has precincts, containing that county's justice of the peace courts.

Generally, these precincts are larger than city or town limits and typically incorporate an entire city or town, and pieces of other communities as well.

Although these geographical boundaries can be changed.

Justice of the peace courts hear traffic cases and certain criminal and civil cases, including domestic violence and harassment cases.

So you want to miss Domestic Violence cases? DUI's? Assaults? Petty Theft?

I'd think not.

So where Arizona is not online, say Maricopa County, here is a brief 'what you're missing' summary:

There are 25 justice courts in Maricopa County that hear a combined caseload of approximately 400,000 cases each year.  (That's over 1,000 cases per day, if they worked every day!)

These include the full range of civil and criminal traffic offenses, including DUIs, and  other types of misdemeanor allegations (e.g. shoplifting, writing bad checks, violating restraining orders) and, like other trial judges, also handle requests for orders of protection and injunctions against harassment.

Sure you want to miss these, they all require a seperate search, Tempe, Paradise Valley, Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa?

You can use Arizona's online system or Maricopa County's site. 

Either way you are missing over 1 million (1,000,000+) residents of these cities and towns that might have committed a misdemeanor crime closest to where they live.

Increase the E&O insurance, mate, it's getting warm in here!

I applaud the NAPBS for their guideline. It took a lot of hard work by many to even agree what to agree on. So hat off for their hard work.

And this is not NAPBS' fault.  The record search at only the central court location was alive and well way before their creation.

Mainly because researchers in Ohio did not want to drive to the outlying courts and (and this is a big AND) screening companies did not want to pay extra for the search.

Competition was tough. It still is.

Maybe someone will come up with a better way.

But, the consumer (i.e., the employer) meanwhile will pay.

In fact. so will you and I.

Visa Hassles

If you read my China visa posting, this should come as no surprise.

I finally got my Chinese visa (an all day affair).

Next came the India visa.

India has outsourced their Visa application procesing to a company called Travisa Outsourcing.

I applied online at Travisa's Website for same day processing.

They gave me a date and appointment time to be in their office.

After waiting in line at the appointed time, a security/application processing officer announces that if it was anyone's concern, same day visa service was actually taking 2-3 days!

No exceptions.

I had to return to Saipan without an India visa.

So much for outsourcing.

I'm sure the India embassy has no knowledge of travisa's poor service; that is, Travisa Outsourcing getting people to their office with the promise of same day processing - then surprising the applicant with, already known to Travisa, bad news that they could not process same day visas.

NAPBS Provider Exam

I recently had the 'pleasure' of taking and passing the NAPBS Provider Exam.

The only passing score is 100%.  I was penalized  for answering that a provider should give more service than NAPBS the test requires as correct. The question answered, and actually answered not incorrect was "what is the standard for record retrieval when there is a computerized index of several years, a microfiche of several years more, and finally, an index card system further back in time?"

I answered it should be all three. But, the NAPBS giudelines test will accept only the first two as correct. That is, even though, most index card systems are easier to browse than microfiche record systems, and you, the customer will get even more years searched - NAPBS penalizes you on the exam for answering that you would do the work.

Sorry NAPBS members. It's hard to understand penalizing retrievers that offer a 'better' service.

Also, not to rant, but the idea that using only the central court location (where or when there are multiple court locations that have separate records within a county)  for retrieving records is acceptable for NAPBS guidelines seems a bit short-sighted.

I suppose that is why the 'Guidelines' insists upon all record retrievers obtain E&O insurance.

Lost In Traffic

Traffic can drive me nuts.  Not that I am always in a hurry. You know, time is money. It's hard to have both at the same time.
I'm in Chicago and I grab my applications to extend my Chineses Visa.  The Chinese have a consulate in Chicago.  So does India, but that 's a story for another time.
I stay about 15 miles from the "Loop," Chicago's famed center. It takes me about 45 minutes to drive there.
I get lucky when I finally get there finding a parking space on the street no more than 2 blocks away.
I grab the applications and walk up to the consulate, open the door to the entrance, and stop dead in my tracks.
I really should have started pounding my head against the wall right then and there, except that I'm with someone and did not want to cause a scene.
I broke out laughing out loud. I had the applicatiobs, the preciuos applicationx that I determindly made certain I did not forget.
Sure as the sun wil rise though, I left the passports at home!  No passport no visa.
Yikes, what a dum-dum!
Like I said, you either have time or money, but I now realized I can sometimes have little of either!

CPIC Searches Cause Grief for NAPBS Pre-employment Screening Companies

Background Checks run through the CPIC (without fingerprints) will only return name matches.

Many NAPBS member companies have written and talked about the ineffectiveness of FBI, or state-wide searches, and CPIC.

Background Checks run through the CPIC (without fingerprints) will only return name matches.

You will then have to submit fingerprints and wait - sometimes weeks or months!

CPIC searches can cause more than grief for pre-employment screening companies.

Say good bye to the job candidate.

He's been hired by someone other than your client who has the knowledge to check the Provincial Court Systems for date of birth matches.

On the other hand, CPIC, and other national searches, are good sources for pointers.

Search first, but not last. Mixed or unclear results, now that's bad.

Obviously then, if you want to get fast results with date of birth identifiers, Canadian Provincial searches are your best bet.

A Joke for Every Boss

A lawyer, his secretary, and one of the office paralegals are walking through the park during lunch.  
They see and old bottle in the bushes, and when one of them picks it up and brushes the dirt off of it a genie appears.

The genie says "Usually I grant three wishes when I'm released.
 
Since there are three of you, I'll grant one wish each."
 
He asks the secretary what she wants.
 
She says "I want to be married to a super rich sugar daddy in Hawaii."
 
POOF! She disappears.

The genie asks the paralegal what he wants.
 
The paralegal says "I want to own my own tropical island populated by beautiful women."
 
POOF! He, too, disappears.
 
Then the genie asks the lawyer what he wants.
 
The lawyer says "I want those two back in the office ready to work right after lunch!"

Lifetime Likelihood of Going To State Or Federal Prison

If recent incarceration rates remain unchanged, an estimated 1 of every 20 persons (5.1%) will serve time in a prison during their lifetime.
Lifetime chances of a person going to prison are higher for

  -- men (9%) than for women (1.1%)
  -- blacks (16.2%) and Hispanics (9.4%) than for whites (2.5%)

Based on current rates of first incarceration, an estimated 28% of black males will enter State or Federal prison during their lifetime, compared to 16% of Hispanic males and 4.4% of white males.

Canadian Bankruptcies Online

This information is  provided free of charge from The Background Investigator

This bankruptcy database contains a record of all bankruptcies and proposals filed in Canada from 1978 to date.

It also contains a record of all private and court appointed receiverships filed in Canada from 1993 to date.
All petitions that have been registered in our offices are also available in the database.

There is a minimum $8.00 charge for each search, including those which result in "no record".

In the case of multiple hits, the charge is $8.00 for each group of ten matches or less, utilizing the same search criteria.

Users are able to redefine their search criteria to limit costs.

https://strategis.ic.gc.ca/sc_mrksv/bankruptcy/bankruptcySearch/engdoc/

Straightline Unsurpassed When Searching For Puerto Rico Criminal Records

Everyone in the pre-employment screening business has their favorite method or favorite researcher who performs background checks.

In the case of Puerto Rico, many companies use the courts and others use the police.

Unfortunately in today’s litigation happy world that might not be enough.

That’s why Straightline International has begun offering an enhanced search they call the XR2.

Basically, what the XR2 does is consolidate the police and court searches, with a proprietary third and fourth search method using other identifiers you provide.

Listening to Dennis Brownstein, who developed this search, you’ll understand its significance:

“After careful measurement of hundreds of test results comparing common search methods versus my new XR2 search, I can increase your hit ratio on a regular basis just by using the basic information that you are already sending.”

And NAPBS members should particularly take note:

“In some cases, the differences are almost 60%.”

Dennis Brownstein’s experience comes from his engineering background and years in the pre-employment screening industry..

He can patiently sort out and arrange things as attested to by the standard he set for measuring turnaround time.

To get on the ground floor of this exciting new product call Dennis Brownstein at 1-866-909-6678.

Pre-Employment Screening Companies Say My Criminal Record Search Is Better Than Your Search, Part I

I hardly ever hear about the quality of the type of criminal history search performed by hands-on researchers for pre-employment screening companies for background checks.
It is a fact that pre-employment screening companies believe the criminal record search is what differentiates them from each other.
There are a few that "sell" a platform or delivery methods of their background search but the bottom line, even for them, always stops at criminal records.
At the NAPBS and The Background Investigator's pre-employment screening conferences, at both,  an inordinate amount of time is spent of criminal records and the laws surrounding the use of them.
Not much else to talk about there.
But criminal records are what we sell, first and foremost.
And the quality of the searches?
Is this how we differentiate ourselves to our customers?
Many companies (not yours) prefer to commoditize the criminal record.
To them the time and speed of returning the result to the customer is paramount.
There is perhaps a measure of quality control whereby a 'known' record is sent to the researcher in a particular area.
The result is then compared by what the pre-employment screening company has on hand.
I have never been privy to a 100% correct sample of results from the sending of multiple county known criminal  records and I have worked for the largest background check companies in the world.

Knock Knock

"Knock knock."

"Who's there?"

"Bet Her Dan"

"Bet Her Dan Who?"

"Bet Her Dan The Competition!"

Brought to you by Straightline International and Steven Brownstein

For pre-employment screening and international criminal background checks call Straightline International

The Resilience Of The Japanese Is Amazing

Just a little more than a week ago, a giant earthquake and ensuing tsunami devasted the NE coast of Japan pretty much shutting down the whole country's infrastructure.

At that point background checks and pre-employment screening were put on hold; the japanese had more than their share of things to worry about.

Rescue efforts are still ongoing in Miyagi Prefecture. The loss of life is incredibly disheartening. Most private and public services have been extinguished in its aftermath.

Our hearts go out to the survivors and mourning families of those lost in the tragedy.

Straightline International and The Background investigator have done a lot to help alleviate the pressure caused by the earthquake and tsunami.  We have all stood by and even cancelled our trips to the USA for the NAPBS Conference.

Now, though, it is time to praise the Japanese. They have arisen, gotten to their feet, and resumed their lives.

It is with this that I can say that most pre-employment backing screening has resumed in Japan, save for Miyagi Prefecture.

Steven Brownstein Speaks To NAPBS Members About International Background Checks

It began as a side business for Steven Brownstein, who was in the 1990's the USA's largest provider of criminal background searches. With over 60 employees, Steven provided records  24 hours a day, 5 days a week, plus a half-day on Saturdays.

DAC Services, the Tulsa - based sister company had expanded service to Canada and Puerto Rico.  Also, the World Gaming Network, another sister company, based in Las Vegas, was receiving requests for criminal record searches on foreign soil.

That's where Brownstein came in.  He had already built a giant network of record retrievers throughout the US.  He was processing more than 6,000 request per day and turnaround time was excellent.

So that's how it began.

Brownstein flew to Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver, Canada to visit the courts.

He knew about the RCMP's CPIC search but found too may flaws in their record keeping , plus a long turnaround time, and actually, too much paperwork had to be collected, submitted, and tracked per request. Not particularly cost effective for pre-employment screening. The contacts he did make at the Canadian courts proved to be invaluable. Good, quality searches with little or no paperwork to handle.

Then he also flew to San Juan, Puerto Rico, met with their staff, and was assigned a public access computer whereby he could come weekly to the court and do searches

This was the beginning of international searches in the USA and he was at the forefront.

His techniques were simple - just continue applying the methods that I used providing USA domestic background checks.

And the techniques were successful. He expanded international search offerings to the total USA pre-emplyment screening industry.

Even though, initially, the quantity of requests was small, Steven Brownstein did see that the end result for foreign searches would be high volume. And as you know, today it is.

Remember, no one was doing international searches. He was the first.

His business expanded and England was the next on the list. He flew to London to run the first ever searches at Horseferry Magistrate Court and the Middlesex Guildhall Crown Court. He ran them successfully, adding he obtained copies of a case from the Crown Court.

That was the beginning. India came next, and so on and so forth.

Quoting Brownstein, "It is my pleasure to continue this dynamic, exponentially growing business opportunity to the pre-employment screening industry. And as one of the first to foresee the beginnings of NAPBS, and having stuck around to see its growth, I say thank you."

Steven Brownstein Provides Guam and Saipan Driver License Record Checks

Motor Vehicle records are available from Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands.

Please include Social Security and drivers license with your order.

For more information call Straightline at 1-866-909-6678 or by E-mail at info@straightlineinternationl.com

Or contact me directly at findcrime@thebackgroundinvestigator.com

You Can Get Free Background Checks Press Releases

Do you have something to say? A new product? A great idea? Send your press release to findcrime@thebackgroundinvestigator.com

The Background Investigator reaches thousands of readers each month through its print edition and countless others through its Web presence.

Many of The Background Investigator's links reach top listing on the Internet.

Press Releases are subject to the editing or refusal by the editorial staff.

So go ahead and get started now. New press releases are being added monthly.

Patience Prevails While Awaiting Japanese Public Record Searches

Luckily, I left Tokyo with my wife, Rhoda, on Thursday, the day before the horrible earthquake and tsunami.
And our island, Saipan, 1500 miles south of Japan, was spared the wrath of a major tsunami, too, barely breaching the 4 foot mark at its peak.

Our homes were spared and no lives were lost.

Now the citizens of Japan face severe hardships.

Court services in most of Japan are slowed or non-existent.

There is no need for me to explain the fact that our searches, then, are also delayed.

Please be patient.

And do what you can to help.

Puerto Rico Mother's Maiden Names

 Make note of this when doing background checks:

 You can have a  problem if you lack providing the mother's maiden name with your Puerto Rico search. 

  Provide the maiden name and your hit ratio climbs dramatically. 

  An example would be Carlos Torres for a search in San Juan.  No record found. 

  Include the mother’s maiden name and voila!

  Or should I say Caramba!

  Carlos Torres Rodriguez, Carlos Torres Ramirez, Carlos Torres diaz… you get the picture. 

  Get the mother's maiden name.

A Letter About Conferences from 2004

Look What I Found —

Read Below

reprinted from March 2004 Edition

The Background Investigator

A Note From The Editor

  The Background Investigator has received many calls asking about our Spring Conference traditionally held in Long Beach. 

  This year (2004) in light of the fact that the NAPBS is holding their first Membership meeting at approximately the same time, and since we support the NAPBS and its goals, The Background Investigator has graciously opted out from hosting our normal Spring Conference.

  This does not mean we will not continue sponsoring conferences.  In fact, our annual November conference, being held at the Sheraton Sand Key Hotel in Tampa, will be bigger and better than ever!

  We would like to see the NAPBS succeed. 

  So support the NAPBS and see you in Tampa this November.

Special Note:

  The NAPBS has positioned its 2011 Fall Conference uncomfortably close date–wise and by location to our Annual Conference in Clearwater so stay tuned for update on when and where our next conference will be held.

Also, Why Join NAPBS?

  Education - The Association provides relevant programs and training to empower its members to better serve clients and set standards within the background screening industry. Training seminars are planned for the Annual Conference and Mid-Year Meeting. Monthly Webinars are offered to members free of charge. The Webinars cover a variety of topics in the pre-employment screening industry.

  Networking - The Annual Conference, scheduled in March or April, provides a forum for members to jointly discuss relevant industry issues and develop mutually-beneficial solutions. Vendor exhibits and educational programs will highlight these events. The Mid-Year Meeting, scheduled in September or October, also provides networking and educational opportunities, as well as a vendor exhibits. NAPBS also has a member ListServ provides an opportunity for subscribers to post questions and get feedback from their industry colleagues.

   Standing Committees - Membership in NAPBS gives you a voice and active involvement when you participate as a committee member on one of NAPBS standing committees.

Dennis Brownstein And Straightline International Makes Record Search Turnaround Time Calculations As Easy As Clicking A Button

Straightline International Makes Record Search Turnaround Time Calculations As Easy As Clicking A Button

My brother, Dennis, is some kind of engineering genius.  While, as a kid,  he was building intricate plastic models, one particularly of a large to-scale aircraft carrier, I was busy planning to see from how high I had to drop a bowling pin to crack the carrier in half once it was afloat.  More on why or how I even got the bowling pin some other time.

Dennis has now devised a turnaround table that is truly astounding.  This turnaround table is another of his engineering feats, not an aircraft carrier mind you, but definitely a large scale undertaking.

It behooves (wasn't this a good time to use that word?) you to take advantage of this tool.

So every time you need to quote your customer you can tell how long it will take a search to be completed.
 It starts with a bell shaped curve that is called normal distribution.  There is the middle of the curve, which is called the mean and then there is how tightly the data is packed around the middle (or mean).  That is called the standard distribution.

Are you a math whiz?  No?   I'm not either but I'll try to explain it in plain old english.

Simply, it means the closer the data (in this case returned search results) to the center of the curve (the mean), the smaller the standard deviation. Which is good for you because it is very easy to calculate that your search will be returned close to the center of the curve.

At a presentation in New Delhi, India, Tejas Sanghvi of Supersoft, was so impressed with Dennis' formula; that it was absolutely the best he ever has ever seen.  "Please leave me a copy," I remember Tejas saying.

Now, Dennis (and I) do not expect you to do the math. That's why we have computers and guys like Dennis who can calculate it with pencil and paper. In fact, Dennis has made it so simple that all you have to do is click a button.

 Go to your Straightline Online-Account and test ride the system. Check one of your searches, the formula is built into the ETA table. It's also built into the pricing and turnaround table.

Dennis can explain it much better than I.  He can even tell you how the standard deviation is built into the table and that the turnaround time reflects an exact calculation of the last 90 days of search results for that jurisdiction. That's why I have mentioned his name so much (and also to let him know how sorry I am for destroying his aircraft carrier).

You can contact Dennis Brownstein at 1-866-909-6678 or E-mail him at dennisb@search4crime.com

As far as the bowling pin goes, didn't everyone as a kid make a bowling alley in their backyard?

The Background Investigator Primer, "How To Do Cook County, IL Criminal Record Searches"

How It's Done In Chicago

Research work in Cook County can be a frustrating experience.  But, with the experience one gains working the computer index in that county an expert it does make.

The Cook County criminal index is computerized and name specific.  In other words, if you type in a name misspelled, such as leaving off the ìhî in ìSmith,î there is little hope of getting a correct result.  You will get Smit. (More likely smitten!)

The index is arranged alphabetically.  That's good.  Felonies and misdemeanors appear on the index.  That's good.

Complete docket information appears on the index.  At least we pray it does!  And  DOB's for misdemeanors has been improved tremendouisly. ..What used to be sorely lacking in that department.is now highly efficient.

DOB's are present from all most cases 1996 -forward.

But older files and those without DOB's on the index still need to be ordered so it can be searched manually for any identifiers.

The ordering process has changed. District 1 Misdemeanor files (from 1996) are now kept in the same building, so what once took two days to be delivered from the warehouse is available on the spot.
But there problems that occur in the ordering/delivery process that can cause delay.  There are ìlostî or ìmisplacedî files,  files that are being ìput back into the system,î files that someone else (the someone else no one knows) has ordered and in that case it could be several weeks until they are put back in the system for re-ordering.

And so on and so forth.

I hope this helps you to understand the Cook County system (or lack of it).  If you do, congratulations!  You have accomplished something most of us pros haven't figured out yet!

Chicago Information

The Circuit Court of Cook County is the largest unified court system in the world. The 2300 person staff of the Clerk of the Circuit Court serves the 5.1 million residents of Cook County within the City of Chicago and its 126 surrounding suburbs in handling the 2.4 million cases filed every year and the millions of pages of pleadings and other documents that pass through the system.

Straightline International Provides Background Checks To Brazil

Straightline International provides expert criminal and court record research in Brazil.

Straightline's accurate service, enhanced by an already expertise, is reflected by its agents in Sao Paulo and Fortaleza.

Coincidentally, recently published in the NAPBS Journal (Feb. 2011,  is an article about Brazil background checks and Brazilian employee screening.

Naturally, one (including the author of the NAPBS article) would write generously about police clearances; undoubtedly not being part of criminal record background checking for pre-employment purposes.

Nevertheless, he wrote a decent article.

The one exception, though, the article in the NAPBS Journal reads that identifiers are difficult to obtain from court records.

On the contrary, identifiers such as addresses and dates of birth are quite common, no more, no less than those found in USA court record files.

Straightline International, distinguishes itself,; one, by being part of the background screening industry, and two, by understanding that police clearance certificates are not the only option for criminal record  histories.

Straightline International’s thoroughly trained records retrievers scour the records at individual courthouses.

And as always, translation from Portuguese to English is no problem for you, the client, as Straightline International, has Portuguese speaking researchers in Brazil and USA, assuring fast dependable service.

Your pre-employment screening records department will appreciate the fact that Straightline delivers performance in Brazil.

Contact Steven Brownstein or Dennis Brownstein at Straightline International, 1-866-909-6678,  or by E-mail,  info@straightlineinternational.com

Cook county Priced So Low I can't Post It Online

Special Deal for all USA Based Pre-employment Screening Companies. Cook County, IL
FCRA compliant search. No database. Courthouse computers used.
Priced so low I can't advertise the price online. Write me or call 1-670-256-7000.

Steven Brownstein
Publisher of "The Background Investigator"
President, StraightLine International
Promoter of "The Pre-Employment Screeners' Conference"
Promoter of "The India Worldwide Pre-Employment Screening Conference"
Whose efforts created the formation of The Pre-Employment Screeners' Association in the USA (NAPBS) and India (IAPBS)
1-670-256-7000
1-670-256-7001 (fax)
findcrime@aol.com
http://www.thebackgroundinvestigator.com/
http://www.straightlineinternational.com/
http://www.hrscreener.com/
http://www.search4crime.com/
Mailing Address: PMB 1007, Box 10001, Saipan, MP 96950 Northern Mariana Islands

Special Pricing for Canadian Criminal Records

Need Ontario or Quebec court records?

Special Deal for all Canadian Based Pre-employment Screening Companies.

Same day access from our Ottawa based researchers.

No database. Courthouse computers used.

Priced so low I can't advertise the price online.

Write me or call 1-670-256-7000.

This picture of the Ottawa, Canada Courthouse was taken by Steven Brownstein.

NAPBS Trying To Raise Money

Even with the tens of thousands of dollars that Straightline International and The Background Investigator annually invests with the NAPBS; there is probaly lots that you can do to help NAPBS.

I received as most all NAPBS members did a bulk E-mail stating that they (NAPBS) needed more money plus an attached survey.

The survey was short of NAPBS asking for money.  Basically, it was a questionnaire of what you would like to buy (perhaps through NAPBS).

Maybe they could offer discounts for E&O insurance.

Meanwhile I just wished the survey they sent was less ambigous.

Regardless, I agree that it would be great for NAPBS to be flush with money and (this more than anything) do good for all members. And I stress all members.

If you have any doubts about NAPBS' financial condition or what their revenues and expenses are any one can ask NAPBS for a copy of their most recent or past financial staement.



You should talk to Kate at NAPBS:  kateeb@imiae.com



Steve Brownstein at Stockholm Court









Skokie Illinois Courthouse Closed After Big Snowstorm

It is rather eerie to see the Skokie, Illinois Courthouse closed as it is one of Chicago's busiest.  Many people were surprised when they arrived there to find it closed. There was no press notification to alert the public to the closing.