What is the FCRA?
The Fair Credit Reporting Act is the federal law that governs the collection and reporting of credit information about consumers. The laws cover how a consumer’s credit information is obtained, how long it is kept, and how it is shared with others. It also includes employment information, address history, bankruptcy, child support, and any arrest record.
Do I need permission to run a criminal background check?
Yes. You must have the permission of the consumer before running any type of screening. This permission must be granted by signature of a disclosure form.
What do I need to do if I decide not to hire an applicant?
If you decide not to offer employment to an applicant due to part of or in whole of their background check, you must carry out the Adverse Action process. This process consists of sending a letter to the applicant informing them that they will not be hired by your company due to results found in their background check. The applicant has the right to contact the provider to dispute claims within 7-10 calendar days of receiving notice.
Why is SRC better than a program I can purchase online?
Most programs purchased online are database programs that are not always reliable, accurate or comprehensive. More often than not, these programs are name-based searches and are only as good as the last data update.
Southern Research Company goes directly to court repositories and uses multiple personal identifiers (i.e. Name, Date of Birth, and Social Security Number) for more accurate results.
How long will it take to run a background check?
Turnaround times vary depending on the type of background check ordered. Many items can be returned within 24 hours while others may take up to 3-4 days. Southern Research Company strives to return everything within a 72 hour timeframe and will always notify the client when a delay is expected.
Do you run credit reports?
Our firm does not run credit reports at this time.
Are you an Authorized Agency?
Southern Research Company is an Authorized Agency of the Louisiana State Police and allowed to run Statewide Criminal Record Searches.
Can anyone order a Louisiana Statewide Criminal Search?
No; only certain facilities, agencies or programs, as defined under LA RS 40.1203.1, are allowed to request this particular search. The Statewide Criminal Search is for any non-licensed person or licensed ambulance personnel providing nursing care, health-related services, medic services or supportive assistance to an individual.
