A Level 1 background check is a background check that includes a nationwide criminal history background check and this is done through validated national database sources and a check of the National Sex Offenders Public Website.
A level 1 background check may also include local criminal records check through local law enforcement agencies. A level 1 background check refers to a name-based background check which covers one jurisdiction. Usually, the typical turnaround time for a Level 1 background check is 48-72 hours and level 1 background checks are restricted to the area where the subject lives. It also includes an employment history verification.
Level one is an essential check with a less restrictive screening process. Level 1 background check is one of the background checks that are carried out in the United States of America, and each background check has its purpose and the level to which they can get, although most states regulate how background checks are conducted within their jurisdiction.
Key Components That are Covered Under Level 1 Background Check
Table of Contents
National Address Database (NAD)
One of the major tools that are used when conducting Level 1 Background Check is the National Address Database (NAD). The National Address Database (NAD) is a compilation of data provided by the state, local, and tribal governments and is made available “as is.”
The NAD is a work of the federal government and as such is not subject to copyright protection in accordance with 17 U.S.C. § 105. It is available for re-use without limitation or restriction.
The National Sex Offenders Public Website
Another major resource (tool) that is used when conducting Level 1 Background Check is the National Sex Offenders Public Website. The National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW) is an unprecedented public safety resource that provides the public with access to sex offender data nationwide.
NSOPW is a partnership between the U.S. Department of Justice and state, territorial and tribal governments, working together for the safety of adults and children.
Employment History
You can also make use of employment history when conducting a level 1 background check. What you need to do in this regard is to;
- Check With Your State Tax Department or Unemployment Office.
- Request Employment History from Social Security.
- Use Your Tax Returns.
- Request Transcripts of Your Tax Returns.
- Check with every workplace listed on each applicant’s resume.
- Use independently obtained phone numbers whenever possible.
- Confirm if and when the candidate worked there and what job title(s) they held
- Use the Work Number® Database. Using the Work Number® is an option employers can use to verify some of their applicants’ past employers.
When is Level 1 Background Check Required?
During Employment Process
Level 1 background check is usually required when an employer wants to employ a worker. Getting a level one background check means that the potential employee’s personal details are verified. A level one check for a potential employee may also check for aliases that the applicant has used based on their date of birth, and social security number.
Some employers of labor also conduct level one background checks after a job offer. A brief period between a background check and a job offer is common because the results of a background check can result in an employer choosing to hire a different applicant. However, they may also choose to begin the background check after they extend an offer.
Please note that in the United States, as an employer, it is illegal to check the background of applicants and employees when that decision is based on a person’s race, national origin, color, sex, religion, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), or age (40 or older).
During Rental and Lease
Another time that level 1 background is required is when a landlord wants to lease or rent out his property to a potential tenant. A rental background check is like an x-ray that allows the landlord or estate agent to see beneath the surface of a potential tenant.
A level 1 background check is carried out to find out whether a prospective tenant has any unspent convictions, landlords can ask them to get a Basic DBS Check. A Basic DBS Check is a type of criminal record check that will show whether the tenant has any unspent convictions or conditional cautions.
Please note that in the United States, a landlord will not be allowed to just have a blanket policy or procedure allowing for the denial of rental applicants with any criminal record or conviction.
So also, landlords have the right to deny an application based on a person’s criminal history, in accordance with federal law when they discover anything that is not comfortable for them or that will pose a challenge when they rent or lease their property to a tenant.
In Conclusion,
It is important to note that a level 1 background check is necessary because conducting level 1 background checks can help reduce the risk of criminal activities such as violence, abuse, and theft. They can also verify the information on an applicant’s resume or job application and assist your organization in deciding if an individual is the right person for the job.