Limitations Associated with International Background Screening Services

International Background Screening is Very Different than the Background Screening Employers Use in the U.S.

Criminal Records:

1. For International criminal searches, ESR is limited by the rules and practices of each country where the search occurs. Each country has its own set of laws and practices when it comes to assembling and releasing criminal records, and ESR does not guarantee in any way the accuracy, completeness or timeliness of records obtained from foreign sources.  Nor can any other provider.
2. For international criminal searches, ESR will utilize available resources which are primarily the local court or police agency that is closest geographically to the address of the provided that is permitted by law to provide such information. However, every country is different in the scope and availability of information.
3. Searches may not be national in scope and just like in the USA, a person may have a criminal record in a court that is not searched. In addition, other factors can affect accuracy, such as the completeness of court or police records or if such records are fully computerized or indexed or if a record is allowed to be released. Sometimes the local search will only encompass the closest police station.
4. Generally speaking, the available court or police records will have felony level offenses (based on the local country laws). The availability of misdemeanor level offenses depends upon the country in question.
5. Just like in the US, Courts and police authorities do not issue any official documentation showing the lack of a criminal record.
6. Searches usually cover a period of 3-7 years but this varies by country.
7. For some countries, a special form, or forms, may be required. 

Criminal Records Required Information:

1. For all Central American Countries, both surnames for the applicant are required. An example would be 1st-2nd-Fathers-Mothers, i.e.: Jose Luis Rodriquez Vasquez.
2. Date of Birth (DOB).
3. Local street address formatted for the countries postal system. (Search will be centered at this point using the local court systems jurisdictions)
4. Applicant’s foreign passport number (not required in all instances but can be very useful).
5. Applicant’s foreign driver’s license number (not required but a useful secondary identifier).

Employment & Education Verification Information:

1. For employment and education verifications, there is a worldwide problem with so-called ’diploma mills’ which are defined as “largely online entities whose degrees are worthless due to the lack of valid accreditation and recognition.