The Ins and Outs of Background Investigations

Background investigation is a very basic and essential technique. It's values are indispensable and a well performed background investigation can make or break a case or cause major problems for a company if it is not done right on a new employee.

Reasons for performing a background investigation:

• You need to know if your new nanny has a record of child abuse or abduction.
• You need to know if a potential employee has been honest about everything on an application.
• You need to know if a new client is on the level.
• You need to know if a plaintiff is being fraudulent.
• You need to know if your witness can be impeached.
• You need to know if a business you are purchasing is being sued or has any liens against it.
• You need to know if your business partner is into shady things.

The following information can be obtained from a background investigation:

• A correct name or any aliases being used.
• A correct company name and any subsidiaries, etc.
• Correct addresses, telephone numbers, social security numbers, tax I.D. numbers, etc.
• Correct current and previous employers.
• Criminal convictions.
• Civil litigation history.
• Assets and liabilities, including banking and property information.
• Judgments and liens.
• Vehicle ownership information.
• Automobile driving records.
• Personal property tax information.
• Real estate tax information.
• Credit history (with written consent).
• Spouses, relatives, friends, associates, business partners, businesses, etc.

What does it take to do a background investigation?

• Time, a telephone, pen, paper car, and some money. These are necessities. Other things useful would be a computer, Internet access, information databases and a directory of private investigators across the country.
• Good common sense and some street smarts. The key is not really knowing where the information is, but knowing whom to ask.