Criminial Background Checks
Reliable criminal background checks to support informed hiring decisions.
Shield Screening provides multi-jurisdictional criminal background checks and post-hire screening solutions to help employers assess risk and make informed hiring decisions.
Talk with a Screening ExpertWhat Is a Criminal Background Check?
A criminal background check reviews available federal, state, county, and local court records to identify reportable criminal history associated with an individual.
Employers commonly use criminal background checks to:
- Identify potential relevant risk indicators before extending employment offers
- Comply with industry and regulatory screening requirements
- Promote workplace safety for employees, customers, and vulnerable populations
- Apply consistent, documented hiring practices
- Demonstrate due diligence as part of broader employment processes
Criminal background checks are frequently used for safety‑sensitive roles, regulated positions, jobs involving financial access, and positions working with vulnerable populations.
Why Criminal Background Checks Matter
The Business Value of Criminal Background Checks
Risk Visibility Criminal background checks report records that may indicate potential workplace risk, helping employers make informed hiring decisions.
Regulatory Awareness Many industries are subject to criminal screening requirements, including transportation, healthcare, education, finance, and government contracting.
Workplace Safety Reviewing criminal history can help identify patterns related to violence, theft, fraud, or other behaviors that may affect workplace safety.
Documented Due Diligence Consistent screening practices and clear documentation can be important if hiring decisions are reviewed or challenged.
Shield Criminal Background Check Services
Shield Screening offers a range of criminal background check solutions that employers can select based on role requirements, risk considerations, and industry standards.
National Criminal
State Criminal Search
Sex & Violent Offender Search
Federal Criminal Search
Continuous Monitoring
County Criminal Search
Federal Civil
Industries Shield Serves
Shield Screening provides criminal background checks and additional screening services you can tailor to the unique compliance requirements and risk profiles of your industry:
Staffing & Recruiting
Healthcare & Long-Term Care
Education & Childcare
Construction
Manufacturing & Warehousing
Retail & Hospitality
Non-profit and Volunteer
Small Business
Transportation & Logistics
Why Employers Choose Shield for Criminal Background Checks?
Fast Turnaround Many criminal searches return results within 24 hours.
Transparent Pricing No platform fees or monthly minimums.
Modern Screening Experience Intuitive dashboards, mobile-friendly candidate workflows, ATS integrations, and API access.
U.S.-Based Support Knowledgeable support available by phone or email.
Post‑Hire Screening Ongoing monitoring options help employers stay informed of new criminal activity in their workforce.
Seamless ATS and HCM Platform Integrations Available
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Ready for cutting-edge background checks?
Book a demo to see how Shield Screening makes everything from data entry, to candidate corrections, to signatures lightning-fast and headache-free.
Connect With Our TeamCriminal Background FAQs
01
What’s the difference between national and county criminal searches?
National searches provide broad, multi‑jurisdictional coverage that may point to the existence of potential records. County searches, on the other hand, go directly to courts where records are filed to obtain the most current results.
02
What may appear on a criminal background check?
Results may include felony and misdemeanor convictions, pending cases, alternate dispositions, and active warrants, depending on jurisdiction and applicable laws.
03
Can employers choose which criminal searches to run?
Yes. Employers select searches based on role requirements, industry standards, and internal risk considerations.
04
Can criminal checks be run on current employees?
Yes, with proper disclosures and authorization. Ongoing monitoring is commonly used in regulated or safety‑sensitive roles.
05
Do all criminal background checks return the same information?
No. Results vary based on jurisdictions searched, selected search scope, state reporting laws, and record availability.