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.