Background Investigations

Personal: A personal background check will give information useful in determining the general characteristic and trustworthiness of an individual. Usually, this will establish the persons true identity, residence address, employer, employment history, business interest, and possibly other sources of income and alternate life style[s]. Other information usually obtained is driving history, extent of real property, motor vehicles and liabilities including bankruptcies, civil judgments, notices of default, foreclosures and state or federal tax liens. A thorough search of the person's civil and criminal history should be assessed including current and previous places of residence, and may also include searches in other countries.  where they previously and currently reside and with any adjunct counties. Places of travel often provide an insight to the individual as well, particularly their life style. Driving history, state or federal tax liens, bankruptcies, and civil judgments can be established also.

Pre-Employment: It is similar to the Personal Background Investigation, but focuses on the individual and the position which they seek to hold or are being considered.  Placement of the best-fitted individual with each job position, while minimizing any potential risk to the company as a whole and/or its employees, is crucial.  Pre-employment evaluations are extremely vital and becoming more common in today’s society.  Not only It is important to ascertain and verify the applicant’s personal identification, personality/behavioral assessments, education, employment history, credit rating, criminal/civil history, and driving record if needed.  In addition, organizations and corporations have a  responsibility to themselves and their employees to reduce the risk of violence in the workplace.  Violence in the workplace statistics are now astounding and considered a national epidemic. Employers suffer direct and indirect effects as do the employees. Prevention by a thorough pre-employment investigation can prevent negative business impacts, legal consequences and victimized employees.  Negligent hiring is too costly and the potential for loss of human life and/or downfall of the business is not worth it when it can very easily be avoided.

Pre-Employment Investigations range from basic background checks to extensive investigations depending on the position and associated responsibilities.

Notice to Employers - Investigations undertaken in relationship to employment may be affected by the Fair Credit Reporting Act as amended by the Consumer Credit Reporting Reform Act of 1996 effective October 1, 1997.  If applicable, employers are now required to disclose to employees or employee candidates that a report is being requested and to obtain written consent from the individual prior to undertaking any such investigation. As part of Quest Associates of Ohio’s services, we will be pleased to prepare, on your behalf, a report for such purposes.