Criminal background checks, a phrase that conjures up visions of interviewing, and political drama. In the past, checking someone’s criminal history stemmed out of liability issues for potential employers, as companies wanted to know who they were dealing with. Criminal background searches were also widely used by insurance companies. But, what about using criminal checks in our personal lives? In the current date it is not uncommon for dating individuals to do background checks to weed out shady potential partners.

We’ve all seen the faux scenarios acted out on television and in movies, where one jokes are actually gets a background check on a suitor. But, what if it is not just a joke, or an idea merely for entertainment value? What if checking the criminal history for those entering our personal lives became standard? With the help of the world wide web, such a thought may soon become a common reality. When searching the internet, one quick look-up of “criminal background check” yields dozens, if not hundreds of sites just for this purpose. Many criminal search sites may, at first glance, seem like a scams, asking for money in return for a history that no one can really verify up front. But, from my own experience, some criminal background sites are legit. For a mere $10 in many cases, one can research the shady past of just about anyone. I am weary of personal criminal search websites which have increment pricing, vowing to divulge deeper information for more money. But, honestly, one digression in someone’s past may warrant enough for the “searcher” to have no need for further information.

The best way I have found to perform a criminal background check is basically free as long as you live in a progressive, internet oriented jurisdiction. For instance, in Pennsylvania, one can search by name and county to find criminal court history of anyone with a troubled past in that particular county. Of course, one would have to search multiple counties for a thorough check. It also shows every case associated with that person, guilty or not, having cases closed or open.

One’s judgment comes more into play when performing criminal searches. Especially if the person being searched is truly not guilty. Moral issues are definitely brought to the forefront with personal searches of this nature. The issues of integrity and honesty are brought to light when dealing with criminal background checks for personal use. What if there is a mistake? What if there is a false positive? And, how does one use the information they find? Breaking up, avoidance, and even restraining orders may unnecessarily occur. Also, true love knows no bounds and that might be enough to dismiss any past faults. One thing is for sure, you can find anything if you look hard enough. Some companies run background checks as employers, and I have known several to use that route for their own personal use. It is becoming more common every day. Seemingly, as we get more connected through the internet, we can also put up more walls if deemed necessary by the information we find. Personally, I’m a risk taker, and I like the good, old-fashioned way, taking my chances, and leaving the past in the past.