Last Updated on August 12, 2022 by rabiamuzaffar
A fingerprint-based background check is an effective way to confirm an individual’s identity. Fingerprints are not necessarily filed along with criminal records but provide an extra level of verification. For example, the FBI fingerprint database, called AFIS, includes over 70 million records of people who have been legally fingerprinted for purposes ranging from gun ownership to job applications. However, there are some drawbacks to fingerprint-based background checks you may check at sterlingcheck.com.
Name-based background check is ideal for checking a job applicant
While fingerprints can help determine a person’s criminal history, name-based checks can be a faster, more comprehensive alternative. Name-based background checks include felony and misdemeanor convictions, dispositions, case numbers and dates, sentences, and classifications. In addition to criminal convictions, name-based checks uncover employment and educational background information, social media footprints, and other valuable details. This screening method is EEOC-compliant and provides employers with a complete and thorough background check of prospective employees.
Performing a name-based background check is the best option for checking a job applicant’s past criminal history. Applicants can often lie about their identity to obtain employment, so it is crucial to check their social security numbers to make sure they are who they say they are. Employers can use this information to verify an applicant’s legal status, including whether or not they are U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
Fingerprint-based background check is ideal for checking the buyer of a firearm
A fingerprint-based background check is an effective way to screen potential gun buyers for various criminal histories. Unlike a traditional background check, fingerprints do not require the applicant to provide a criminal history, and results are typically returned within 24 hours. In the past, fingerprints were obtained by pressing inked fingers onto a card and submitting it to an expert for comparison. While fingerprint checks can take weeks, the process is much simpler and faster.
These background checks are accurate for firearms sales, but they’re not perfect. Those involved in domestic violence cases are usually more difficult to check, as they typically involve records from court-martials and other criminal proceedings. A background check for firearms buyers for such offenses is particularly critical, as federal law prohibits the purchase of firearms by domestic violence victims. A fingerprint-based background check may be ideal if the buyer’s fingerprints match those of an actual domestic violence victim.
It solves the problem at both ends
A fingerprint-based background check is a much superior way to perform a criminal record check. It eliminates errors that could occur when searching using demographic data, leading to the wrong candidate moving through the process. This means that there are practically no errors when conducting this check, and you are assured of getting the correct criminal history record. In addition, because fingerprints are unique keys, there are virtually no errors or duplicates.
Several industries require fingerprint-based background checks for most employees, including law enforcement and security agencies. This technology has many uses. Some industries mandate it proactively, while others require it as a base procedure. In Medicaid, for example, fingerprint scanning has become mandatory for applicants to prevent fraud and abuse. This technology is becoming widely adopted across many industries, and it is likely to be an essential component of future security systems.
It has some drawbacks
While many municipalities have made FBI fingerprint checks mandatory, this method has some significant limitations. Although fingerprints are a reliable way to check criminal history, the database itself is often incomplete and poorly designed for background screening. Moreover, fingerprint reports don’t always contain valuable information, such as driving records, employment records, or education verification. Drug screenings can also be performed. However, fingerprint-based background checks are still more effective than other methods.
Fingerprint checks are only effective for specific industries and are not as fast as name-based background checks. Additionally, fingerprint databases are often outdated, and fingerprint reports can take weeks or months to complete. Also, fingerprints are not always adequately stored or sent to the FBI. They can also be lost or damaged in the process. Furthermore, fingerprint-based reports require a physical submission. However, they are a more accurate method of background checks and are faster than name-based ones.
