Locator and Trace Services

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      National Criminal Record Search (NCRS)

      This article will help you understand what a National Criminal Record Search is, why it's important, and what type of information it provides.

      The National Criminal Record Search (NCRS) includes information compiled from various sources, including the Department of Corrections, Administration of the Court, and County Criminal history.  This is an expansive search that is used as a tool in order to extend the geographical area being searched for potential criminal records. 

      It searches a database to locate felonies and misdemeanor records that may have occurred at the county or state level. It's an essential starting point for a criminal background check. It may locate records outside of where the candidate has resided.

      Orange Tree's National Criminal Record Search (NCRS) Process 

      Orange Tree’s National Criminal Record database contains over 500 million records from over 1,000 sources including Department of Corrections, Administrative Offices of the Court, County Courts, Departments of Public Safety, Bureaus of Investigations, Criminal Apprehensions and Parole and Probation, County arrest data, and other warrant lists and registries.

      Our NCRS database is maintained and updated from each of its source lists. The updates are done on a very regular basis, but the frequency is determined by each source.

      Understanding National Criminal Record Search (NCRS) Results

      This search will provide an overall result and status.

      sor and ncrs

      When a potential criminal record is found from a database search, the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) 613 requires the background screening provider to do one of two things:
      1. Notify the consumer that public information has been found which may adversely affect the candidate’s ability to obtain employment.  The consumer must also be told the name and address of the person who will be receiving the information.

        Or. 
      2. Maintain "strict procedures" that ensure the information collected is accurate and up to date. If a record is located from the NCRS, Orange Tree completes an additional search at the county/statewide level to confirm the accuracy of the record.

      If a record is located from the NCRS, Orange Tree completes an additional search at the county/statewide level to confirm the accuracy of the record.