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National
Wants and Warrants
Search


What is a National Wants and Warrants Search?

A National Wants and Warrants Search is a nationwide search for outstanding warrants. The warrants included are generally those issued for extraditable offenses. Law Enforcement agencies are actively seeking these individuals.

Are FBI Background Checks and NCIC Searches the Same as a National Wants and Warrants Search?

A National Wants and Warrants Search is sometimes erroneously referred to as an FBI Background Check or as an NCIC Search. The NCIC database is not a matter of public record. This information is only available to Law Enforcement agencies. An FBI Background Check is a background check conducted by the FBI and is also not a pubic record.

What are the Sources of a National Wants and Warrants Search?

The key source for a National Wants and Warrants Search is the NCIC (National Crime Information Center). Private employers and background checking agencies do not have direct legal access to the NCIC database. However, certain police agencies (who do have legal access to the database) automatically run an NCIC search when they run a local criminal record search. These agencies cannot give us a copy of the NCIC report, but they do report to us any jurisdiction that has an outstanding warrant for the individual we are searching. We then run a criminal record search in that jurisdiction to determine if a reportable criminal history exists. This is the information we provide to the employer. Click for more information about the NCIC.

What are the Benefits of a National Wants and Warrants Search?

Employers have a moral and legal obligation to provide a safe work environment. Knowing whether a potential employee has an outstanding warrant or a serious criminal record allows the employer to determine if an applicant is appropriate for the job and work environment. Checking if an individual is attempting to escape the law or has an outstanding warrant also provides an important element for defense against negligent hiring claims.

What are the Weaknesses of a National Wants and Warrants Search?

There are more than 7,000 significant courts in the United States that maintain criminal records. Because an outstanding warrant is not a conviction or criminal history, a "hit" on a National Wants and Warrants Search does not necessarily mean that an applicant is a criminal, and a "clear" result does not ensure that an applicant does not have a criminal record. Like most criminal record databases, this database is not always current, accurate, or complete.

Knowing if an individual is attempting to escape the law or has an outstanding warrant is an important element of a Comprehensive Background Check, but should never be viewed as a complete criminal background check.

How Long Does a National Wants and Warrants Search Take?

National Wants and Warrants results are normally available for viewing in one to two business days from the order date. When "hits" occur, the local jurisdictions are checked. This extends the turnaround time for final results.

Can I See a Sample National Wants and Warrants Search?

Yes, click Sample National Wants and Warrants Search.

What is Our Recommendation for a National Wants and Warrants Search?

Criminal record checks are an essential part of any Comprehensive Background Check. In addition to County Criminal Record Checks, we recommend a National Wants and Warrants/GA Statewide Search for all applicants. This search allows employers to better protect themselves from individuals who may be attempting to escape the law or trying to hide criminal records.

Note: We only run a National Wants and Warrants Search as part of a complete background check and not as a stand-alone search.

Are Criminal Record Checks Available Internationally?

Yes, International Criminal Record Checks are available. For more information, click International Criminal Record Searches.


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