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.

  

Cairo And Alexandria, Egypt Court Record Searches Are Temporarily Suspended

Straightline International announces the disruption of court record retrieval and access services in Cairo and Alexandria, Egypt.

This is due to unrest and danger in the two cities.

Luxor and Aswwan continue to operate unimpeded.

Straightline International Leads Industry In Overseas Criminal Record Checks

For the tenth straight year, Straightline International has led the U.S. and world markets in providing criminal record cheks for foreign searches.

According to Steven Brownstein, President of Sraightline International, "This comes as no surprise to me. What Straightline performs can not be outdone by others, especially those that think that by posting a Web Page, a price list, and copy some mumbo-jumbo about how a search is done; those that think that this is the service our industry wants are sorely mistaken."

"In fact," Brownstein continues, "no one in the background check industry comes even close to Straightline International's exacting methods of criminal record extraction.  Straightline actually has been to and visits regularly scores of courthouses around the world in search of access.  This hundred thousand dollar(s) investment pays off in the product that Straightline provides."

Over the years Straightline International has put to work hundreds of private contractors around the world.
Brownstein adds, "This formula works. We at Straightline end up with a trained researcher that can go around the various courts and places of public record access in major cities of the world.  It worked for me at DAC Services setting up the first USA national network of researchers and it's working globally."
Interestingly enough, Straightline International, has most recently added researchers in Istanbul, Turkey and Lisbon, Portugal.

"When it comes to the workforce, whether it is the employer or job applicant, in this time of trying needs and wants, I want everyone to be clear that Straightline International is going to be there to aid in this process."
"That is the secret to our success, ten years running."

Straightline International Provides Instant Criminal Record Search Turn Around Times Online and It's Free

Now you can get Straightline International’s pricing and turn around times online—and it’s free!
Absolutely the pre-employment screening industy's most accurate calculation of search turnaround times, Straightline International uses strict parameters to provide their customers with  unparrelled results.
Dennis Brownstein, Chief Operating Officer, of Straightline, professes the belief that once customers start utilizing this free service, a truer understanding of the international marketyplace will arise.
Turnaround times are based on a true 90 day average; not just your ordinary add ‘em up and divide them’ type average, either.
It pays to take a look at this ingenious Site.  Free of charge. Be our guest at:
http://www.straightlineinternational.com/
Click on the map for your choice of turnaround time and pricing.

The Background Investigator February Edition Is Now Online

Today, February 1st, 20011, Steven Brownstein announces that The Background Investigator's February edition is now available online at http://www.thebackgroundinvestigator.com/

He (Steven Brownstein) would also like to remind you that The Background Investigator is available free in printed newspaper format delivered to your door anywhere in the world.

Getting Things Done -Public Access To Court Records

by Steven Brownstein

"You can't do that."
I still hear those words.
Since 1989.
"Can't do that. Not there. It's not public access."
I didn't heed those words.
Instead, I became a pioneer in public record access.
Today we all agree it is a matter of fact - "can do that."
Why?
Because I trusted my ability.
I believed in the system.
I knew it could be done.
Now public access is being taught in universities.
Why?
Because it can be done.

The Real Deal Behind India's Criminal Record Searches

by Steven Brownstein
Criminal Records History Retrieval  - India
Briefly (we will use Bangalore, Karnataka as an example):
India is divided into states. Karnataka, as an example, is a state in India.  Karnataka is divided into Districts (similar to U.S. counties). Each District is comprised of cities, towns, and villages. Bangalore is the capital of Karnataka and the seat of the District of Bangalore.
Criminal records are available to the public at many levels. At the end of this tutorial, we will explain the differences and benefits of each type of record search.
India Police and Record Keeping
Thare are several levels of police in India. From the bottom up:
Local police
City Police
District Police or State Police
National Police
Local Police Records
The most basic search is at the local police.
Each local police station keeps its own records.
They do not have direct access to city-wide records.
They report information to the City Police.
Note: Most local India researchers use the local police as their source of information.  Most researchers in India call by telephone directly to a local police station for search requests. There is no charge from the local police for this service. Turnaround times vary based on the availability of staff at that police station. They try to determine which police station to check by comparing addresses. One rather large problem incurred by India researchers is the accuracy of  the search as local maps are rarely available to pinpoint the correct local police station.
City Police Records
City Police keep records reported by all the local police stations in the city.
These records are available to the public.
For example, the Bangalore City Police charge Rs200 (about US$5) for a city wide search. Turnaround time is about two weeks. The results include all records for the city of Bangalore.
District or State Police Records
Every District has a State Police District Police Department. The District and State level police records are held by the State Police. These records are not available to the public except in some cases of foreigner arrests.
India Courts And Record Keeping
Each state has a similar court structure, i.e., a High Court, District Courts, and Magistrate Courts.
All court records are public unless sealed by the Court.
Cases heard at the District Court are comparable in the U.S. as felonies and serious misdemeanors.
The court records are computerised. The records are controlled by each state's High Court. The NIC (National Informatics Centre) based in New Delhi controls the computerisation of these records.
All state court records are centralized at the High Court. Computerisation has made this possible. Ideally, one could search all District and Magistrate Court cases at the State (High Court) level.
A previous court hardware glitch in the Court's computer system has made integration not possible at all High Courts so some District or Magistrate Courts need to be individually searched.
Comparison Between Police And Court Searches
The differences between police searches and court searches are glaring.
Local Police Record Check vs. Magistrate Court Search
Local police department searches focus on arrests made at that police station only.
The prosecution of cases from the local police are heard at a Magistrate Court or District Court.
Each Magistrate Court hears cases from several or more local police stations.
Therefore magistrate court cases cover a wider area than local police and are preferable.
City Police Record Check vs. Magistrate Court Search
City police department searches focus on arrests made in that city only.
Since magistrate courts cover only a slice of a city (or District) city police searches are favorable over a magistrate court search as they cover a wider area.
District Court Search vs. City Police Record Check
District Court cases cover all cities in the District. They would include all cases of the type most favorable to U.S. pre-employment screening standards.
District court cases cover a wider area than city police thereby making this the most preferred search (of all search types) barring future access to sate-wide or national records.

Scott Friedman As Keynote Speaker At 2011 NAPBS Annual Conference

Friedman, Scott     
Categories: Customer Service | Humor | Sales | Entrepreneurship
Bio: Scott Friedman is two-time past president of the Colorado Chapter of the National Speakers Association and has earned the CSP (Certified Speaking Professional) designation by the National Speakers Association. He serves on its board of directors as president-elect.
After graduating from Southern Methodist University in 1982 with a degree in Marketing and a minor in Psychology, Scott Friedman worked as.... More>>
This speaker's set fee places him/her within the range of: $7,500 and under
Travels From: Colorado

NAPBS Announces Slate Of Directors Nominees

The nominated individuals have been reviewed by the Nominations Committee and met the qualifications for their nominated positions. There are four regular director positions and one associate director position to be filled.
The slate will be voted on by primary regular and associate members during the Opening Ceremony on Sunday, March 20, 2011, in conjunction with the Annual Conference in Denver, CO.

Regular Member Directors
Angela Bosworth (2013)
OPENonline
Scott Hall (2013)
FirstPoint Information Resources
Don Owens (2013)
Prime Information Center Inc.
Melissa Sorenson (2013)
Verifications Inc.
Christine Cunneen (2012)
Hire Image
Dawn Standerwick (2012)
Applicant Insight

Associate Directors
Ben Peacock (2013)
Lighthouse Information Services LLC
Dean Carras (2012)
Innovative Enterprises Inc.

Straightline Provides Document Retrieval In Saipan And Guam

Steven Brownstein provides the fastest and the only local public record access service to Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands.
Based in Saipan, with easy access to Hagatna, 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

Scotland Disclosure Warns UK Background Screening Companies About Processing Orders From The USA

Some UK screening firms may be violating Government Directives when performing online Basic Disclosures for USA pre-employment screening companies.

The Scotland Discosure Web Site is quite explicit:

"You can only apply online, if your current address is in the UK and if you have been living at this address for at least twelve months. If you do not satisfy these criteria, you will have to apply using a paper application form."
 
The Scotland Disclosure Website publishes this as a reminder to follow the Directive.

The rules can be found at;  http://www.disclosurescotland.co.uk/apply-online

New Puerto Rico Criminal Record Check

Straightline International introduces a new type of Puerto Rico international criminal record check.

After surveying multiple methods of obtaining Puerto Rico criminal record histories, Dennis Brownstein, Chief Operating Officer of Straightline International, has found a means that wil increase the hit ratio of your Puerto Rico criminal background search.

Combining several publicly availablecriminal data sources, including a name and social security number check, Straightline International offers the unveiling of the new 'XR2' service.

Hit ratios are shown to increase more than 3% rather than using the old standard means of court record search.

Dennis Brownstein says that although the standard name search will still be available for those customers who desire that type of search, he wil spend a good portion of this year educating and persuding pre-employment screening companies to make the switch over to the enhanced Puerto Rico criminal search, 'XR2'.

Contact Dennis Brownstein at 1-866-909-6678 for more information.

Steven Brownstein And The Creation Of NAPBS

by Les Rosen, ESR

The Chronology

2000: There is no national trade association, industry standards, or definitive publications on background screening. Steve Brownstein, Publisher of the Background Investigator, holds the first ever background check industry conferences in Long Beach, California and then larger events in Tampa, Florida. Employment Screening Resources (ESR) founder and President Lester Rosen is the keynote speaker at these first industry conferences.

2003: As a result of the Tampa conferences, momentum builds for a professional trade association for the background screening industry. ESR President Lester Rosen serves as the chairperson of the steering committee that founded the National Association of Professional Background Screeners (NAPBS®), a non-profit trade association representing the interests of background check companies, and serves as the first co-chair. NAPBS seeks to “…promote ethical business practices, promote compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act and foster awareness of issues related to consumer protection and privacy rights within the background screening industry. The Association provides relevant programs and training aimed at empowering members to better serve clients and to maintain standards of excellence in the background screening industry.”

Important Notice From Scotland Disclosure

There are many attempts by USA companies through UK screening firms to order online Basic Disclosures.

This is quite improper as The Scotland Discosure Web Site is quite explicit:

"You can only apply online, if your current address is in the UK and if you have been living at this address for at least twelve months. If you do not satisfy these criteria, you will have to apply using a paper application form."
  http://www.disclosurescotland.co.uk/apply-online

 Note:
 Straightline International always uses a paper application when performing Scotland Disclosures.  Do you?