Why do a screening as we already collect references from past employers and have an actual criminal record?

I'm often being said by HR, "why do a screening as we already collect references from past employers and have an actual criminal record?".

Here is what I tell them : 

A comprehensive background check goes beyond a simple criminal record search or the collection of references—often handled directly by HR—to provide a holistic view of a candidate's past, mitigating potential risks and ensuring responsible hiring. 

While HR departments diligently collect references and, in many cases, initiate criminal record checks, a crucial element often remains overlooked: the comprehensive verification of a candidate's residential history.

This is especially critical because criminal record databases are not universally interconnected across international borders. Same with credit checks as they are national (even regional in some countries). A thorough screening should encompass several key areas. A criminal record check is paramount, identifying any past offenses that might pose a threat. Employment verification confirms past employment details. Educational credentials should be validated. A credit check is needed too. However, a significant challenge arises from the lack of international criminal record integration. 

While HR diligently gathers references and initiates criminal record checks within the candidate's current country of residence, obtaining a complete picture requires knowing where to request those checks. A candidate's address history over seven to ten years provides this crucial geographical context. Without a verified address history, organizations may only obtain partial criminal record information, potentially missing significant details from periods spent in other jurisdictions. For example, a candidate who lived in multiple countries over the past decade might have a clean record in their current country but potentially undisclosed offenses in previous locations. Verifying addresses not only helps confirm identity but also provides the essential information needed to accurately request criminal record checks from the appropriate authorities in each relevant jurisdiction. This targeted approach ensures a more thorough and comprehensive screening, maximizing the identification of any potential security or reputational threats. Therefore, a full background check should always include detailed address verification. 

Supplementing usual HR processes with thorough address verification elevates background checks to a truly effective risk mitigation strategy.

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