Background Investigation Musts for PI's

Employers are conducting background investigations of potential employees on a more frequent basis than before. Ensuring employees are truthful in the information they provide the potential employer, avoiding potential civil liability from negligent hiring claims, to increasing the chances for the success of the employee in their position are all reasons approximately 70% of all employers conduct some type of background investigation or screening.
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Private investigators often provide background investigation services for their clients as they have the expertise and experience in conducting interviews, verification of credential information, and providing written reports. As a private investigator conducting background investigations there are steps you need to take. Following are a few critical steps:

1. Notify the individual(s) in writing that you are conducting a background investigation on them. Notices included in a job posting, or on a job application are not sufficient.
2. Get the applicant or employee’s written permission in advance to conduct the background investigation. Include the specific permissions you need from them to obtain information from credit reports, or previous employers for example.
3. Ensure you follow the same steps for each applicant, gathering the same information. It’s tempting to cease a background investigation when you find negative information that will disqualify them, but you should complete all steps of the investigation as you do for other applicants. Remember, it is up to your client to eliminate them or not.
4. If you find negative information about an applicant or employee, you should share the information with them and gather information from them about the information. For example; if you receive information from a previous employer that is different than what the applicant provided, ask the applicant to provide a written statement explaining the discrepancy.
5. If you are obtaining a credit or criminal background report, make sure you are in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).

As a private investigator conducting background investigations for private employers you need to ensure that you comply with all laws to protect you and the client. Conducting background investigations that follow the same format, gather the same information, that comply with all laws, are a must to protect your firm and your client.

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