Known limitations on background checks

To level the playing field and provide peace-of-mind, every independent pet transporter must pass a general background check after winning his or her first shipment with CitizenShipper.

This screening is utilized to help identify past criminal behavior from records that are available. However, as any law enforcement professional will tell you, a background check does have limitations. As a result, it is important to understand it cannot guarantee that all past criminal behavior is included, or that a person will not break the law in the future.

Specific limitations include:

Limited Scope

Background checks only work when an independent contract transporter gives us his or her full, correct legal name and date of birth. We cannot guarantee that the information a person provides is accurate. In addition, criminal activity reported and captured in databases varies by state, so the information available may differ greatly.

Incomplete Search Results

Databases used to conduct a background check may not be complete and may not include all instances of criminal behavior. Also, a background check is some states may be limited by a time period - for instance, a 7- to 10-year look-back history. So, the possibility exists that an offense outside that time period may be missed.

Despite these limitations, background checks are useful as another resource to help you determine which transporter to hire. However, they should not be the deciding factor. They are most effective combined with other supporting information and your sound judgment.

What to read next

For a detailed overview of what the background check reports on, click here.

For information on the option to expedite a background check, click here.