Discover why reference checks are...
How to Verify a Criminal Record Check: A Step-by-Step Guide for Employers
Hiring the right candidate isn’t just about resumes and interviews — it’s about trust. And one of the most crucial steps in building that trust is to verify criminal record check results accurately. Employers across industries are increasingly recognizing the need to go beyond the basics to protect their workforce, customers, and brand. With the rise of Automated Reference and Background Check Solutions, the process has become faster, more reliable, and far less prone to human error. In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step of verifying a criminal record check, helping you hire with confidence and compliance.
Risk Mitigation for Employers
A thorough criminal background check helps companies identify potential red flags that could compromise workplace safety or violate regulatory standards. Whether you’re in healthcare, education, finance, or logistics, it’s your duty to protect your team and ensure you’re meeting industry requirements. Failing to verify criminal record check results can lead to negligent hiring lawsuits or worse.
Protecting Your Brand and Reputation
The reputational damage from hiring someone with an undisclosed criminal background can be immense. From public backlash to losing clients, the cost of skipping verification far outweighs the convenience. With platforms like Credibled’s criminal record validation, employers gain peace of mind knowing that checks are thorough, fast, and legally sound.
Step-by-Step: How to Verify a Criminal Record Check
Step 1: Obtain Candidate Consent
Before any background or criminal check begins, employers must secure informed consent from the candidate. This isn’t just a best practice — it’s a legal requirement. Credibled makes this simple with digital forms that collect e-signatures, ensuring compliance from the first step.
Step 2: Choose a Reputable Screening Provider
Not all background check providers are created equal. A trusted provider should offer:
- Global reach (200+ countries)
- Multiple screening types
- Fast turnaround times (as quick as 15 minutes for Canadian checks)
- Legal compliance at every stage
Credibled leads the pack with 12+ checks in one platform, including ID verification, social media screening, and employment verification.
Step 3: Validate the Candidate’s Identity
To avoid mismatches and identity fraud, always confirm the identity of the individual before running a criminal check. Credibled’s Identity Verification feature uses AI and facial recognition to match a selfie with a government-issued ID. This automated process ensures the right person is being screened — and that your results are valid.
By integrating ID checks with your criminal record verification, you’re leveraging Automated Reference and Background Check Solutions for greater accuracy and speed.
Step 4: Run the Criminal Record Check
Once identity is confirmed and consent is secured, initiate the criminal record check. Whether it’s a domestic check in Canada or an international search, Credibled provides results in minutes, not days. Their platform integrates everything into one easy-to-read report, eliminating delays and manual follow-ups.
When you verify criminal record check reports using Credibled, you ensure the data is compliant, current, and complete.
Platforms like Credibled offer seamless integration, fraud detection, and real-time processing, helping employers make informed hiring decisions.
Step 5: Review the Report
Examine the results carefully. Credibled’s reports clearly label any findings — from convictions to pending charges — and are organized in a user-friendly format. Be sure to understand the legal implications of any flags before taking action.
If you’re unsure how to interpret results, Credibled’s customer support team is available 24/7 to assist — another reason why companies trust their background check solutions across North America.
Step 6: Confirm Authenticity
After reviewing, confirm the report’s authenticity. Avoid using non-compliant, third-party tools or doing manual checks that could violate privacy laws. With Credibled, all data is encrypted, traceable, and audit-ready, giving you full transparency in your hiring process.
This last step ensures that when you verify criminal record check reports, you’re not just collecting information — you’re validating it securely and legally.
Best Practices for Employers
Comply with Local Laws and Privacy Regulations
Every region has its own set of laws regarding criminal background checks. In Canada, for example, certain provinces like Québec limit what can be accessed or reported. Attempting to screen social media manually can also lead to legal risks. That’s why Credibled offers Social Media Screening that is compliant, ethical, and only includes public content.
Employers should be aware of these rules and always work with providers who prioritize data protection.
Keep Documentation and Audit Trails
Store your consent forms, verification logs, and screening reports in a secure platform. These documents may be needed for future audits or legal challenges. With Credibled, every step is recorded digitally, minimizing paperwork and maximizing accountability.
Use Technology to Streamline Hiring
Gone are the days of waiting days for paper-based background checks. Companies that adopt Automated Reference and Background Check Solutions gain significant advantages in speed, cost, and compliance.
When you verify criminal record check data through an automated system, you eliminate errors, reduce bias, and accelerate decision-making.
Conclusion:
To verify criminal record check results correctly is not just about ticking a box — it’s about building a safer, smarter workplace. With Credibled’s modern platform and support for over 12 check types in 200+ countries, employers can ensure every hire is backed by truth and trust.
Looking to improve your hiring process? Discover Credibled’s full suite of services today. it’s everything you need in one trusted platform.
FAQs
It typically includes criminal convictions, pending charges, and sometimes non-conviction records, depending on jurisdiction and consent.
Credibled delivers Canadian criminal checks in as little as 15 minutes, with international checks available within hours.
Technically yes, but doing so manually opens your company to legal risks. Using a verified platform like Credibled ensures compliance and accuracy.
Yes. Without informed consent, criminal record checks are not only unethical but often illegal.
Does a DUI appear on...
Need to know how to...