In today’s society, whether you are considering hiring a new employee, renting out property, or even conducting a personal investigation, background checks have become an essential part of decision-making. Background checks aren’t a one-size-fits-all process, as they can range from simple identity verifications to extensive deep dives into personal, criminal, and professional histories. As such, the time it takes for a private investigator to conduct a background check can vary depending on several factors. Please continue reading to learn how long it generally takes to complete a background check and why connecting with our Connecticut Background Search Experts is in your best interest.
What Factors Can Impact the Duration of a Background Check?
As mentioned above, several factors can influence how long a background check takes. Understanding the factors that can impact the duration will help you set realistic expectations and minimize any anxiety you experience while waiting for the results. The following include, but are not limited to, the factors that can impact the duration:
- Scope of the investigation: The more in-depth the background check, the longer it will take to complete. For instance, a simple check verifying employment history will take less time than a comprehensive criminal background check that includes checks in multiple jurisdictions. Ultimately, the complexity of the case will impact the overall duration.
- Availability of information: While some information is readily available, others may take several days to find. Essentially, the speed of access to data and the efficiency of systems play a critical role in the duration of a background check. If records are stored electronically, they will be more easy to pull, which in turn will be faster. However, if records need to be retrieved from physical archives, it can cause delays especially if the response times from third parties are not quick. For example, a state may allow instance access to criminal records, while others may require manual processing. This can extend how long it takes to receive this information.
- Compliance with laws: When conducting a background check, private investigators must adhere to stringent standards, like the Fair Credit Reporting Act, data protection laws, and ethical conduct. Legal compliances often involve waiting periods, which can add time to the process as individuals must be notified allowing them to dispute findings.
It’s important to keep in mind that hiring an experienced private investigator can mitigate some of these factors. That said, a thorough background check usually takes a few days to a few weeks. For instance, an employment check can typically be completed in 1-3 business days, while more extensive checks can take up to 7-12 business days.
Hiring a private detective to conduct a background check brings the advantage of retrieving accurate and reliable information. Connect with Advanced Investigations today to learn more about what we can do for you.
