Columbus Background Checks

Health Street offers a variety of background screening options in the city of Columbus. Employers may choose from packages for criminal database checks, DOT background checks, healthcare background checks, and resume verification. If only a specific background screening is needed, we also offer individual database checks or the option to "build your own" package.

Simply register online for a background check in Columbus, or give us a call at (614) 363-2173. Each individual being screened will receive a waiver electronically, and the background check will start automatically as soon as it has been signed. If this is the first time that your company has ordered a background screening through Health Street, then we will also send you an agreement to be signed electronically.

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Columbus OH Background Checks

Statistics About Crime in the City of Columbus

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Although it's the highest populated city in Ohio, Columbus had the lowest violent crime rate of any major Ohio city in 2019, with a rate of 50.34 crimes per 10,000 residents.
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In 2019, law enforcement in the city of Columbus recorded 4,561 violent crimes of which 1,788 related to aggravated assault.
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A total of 29,974 property crimes were recorded by law enforcement in the city of Columbus of which 20,606 related to larceny-theft.

Background Check Laws Specific to the City of Columbus

Columbus employers must follow Ohio state-specific background check laws in addition to federal regulations during the hiring process. For example, under ORC § 2953.32, certain previous criminal offenders can file a petition in Columbus court to have specific criminal records expunged or sealed. Due to this ordinance, employers are legally not permitted to inquire about expunged, pardoned, or sealed criminal records during the hiring process or from an existing employee.

Furthermore, in 2015, the Ohio State Senate passed HB-56 which declared Ohio as a "ban-the-box" state. Under this law, employers of the public sector are not legally allowed to inquire about past criminal history during the application process. Bear in mind, there are certain exceptions to the law in terms of specific high-risk positions. For instance, employers hiring for elderly care and child care/education positions may legally inquire about criminal history.

Background Check News Specific to the City of Columbus

In November 2020, the cities of Columbus and Dayton filed a lawsuit against the Ohio Attorney General Office of Dave Yost, claiming they failed to manage the criminal background check system used to investigate potential gun owners. According to case details, the Attorney General's Office is required to obtain information regarding any convicted felon and input these details into the Ohio state database that supports a deferral background check system.

Reports show that the database has not been properly maintained and more than half of the 88 counties in Ohio didn't report records in time or simply not at all. In efforts to ensure Ohio resident and visitor safety, Columbus and Dayton's officials hope the lawsuit pushes state officials to make necessary changes. In response to the lawsuit, the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigations stated that they are investing millions into improving the criminal background check system and have begun taking steps to identify areas of error.

What Types of Background Screenings Does Health Street Offer in Columbus?

Criminal Background Screening Packages

Our criminal background screenings for Columbus always start with a Social Security Number Trace. Choose from one of our popular options below, including the option to build your own package.

Platinum Background Package - $175

The Platinum Background Package includes everything listed in the Triple Database package, plus:

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Court Record Package (State and/or County level).

Build Your Own

This package can be mixed and matched to meet your needs, including options such as:

The final price will depend on the combination of services selected.

Additional Background Screening Services

Our DOT screening services or resume verification can help you save valuable time and ensure that your candidates meet the requirements for the job.

Resume Verification

Starting at $39, our Resume Verification can be ordered to check a candidate's:

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Work history
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Credentials or certifications
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References

DOT Background Check

The price of this option depends on which of the background check services is selected. We offer a variety of DOT Background Check, including:

Why Order a Background Screening in Columbus

What Is the Importance of Professional Background Screening?

In order to make informed hiring decisions, it's important to see the full picture. Background checks can confirm the information that a candidate has provided you with, or they can reveal criminal activity that may not have been disclosed during the interviewing process. Ordering a background check in Columbus is a critical step to ensuring you maintain a safe workplace for your employees, as well as protect the team morale and reputation of the company.

Why Choose Health Street For Columbus Background Checks?

Unless you're experienced in keeping updated with the background screening laws and regulations of your location, performing a background check by yourself can be risky. Health Street has expertise in this area, and can help you avoid revealing information about your candidate that is not legally permitted in the hiring process. We are committed to helping employers in Columbus protect their businesses and save time hiring the best candidates.

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Background Checks for Other Locations

Looking for a Different City?

Learn more about Ohio Background Checks .

Looking for a Different State?

Different states have different background screening regulations. View our state directory of background checks.

Employment Screening Services

Health Street offers a variety of other services, including:

Citations

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"FBI data: Lower rate of violent crime in Columbus than other major Ohio cities." NBC 4, https://www.nbc4i.com/news/state-news/fbi-data-lower-rate-of-violent-crime-in-columbus-than-other-major-ohio-cities/
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"2019 Crime in the United States." Criminal Justice Information Services Division, https://ucr.fbi.gov/crime-in-the-u.s/2019/crime-in-the-u.s.-2019/tables/table-8/table-8-state-cuts/ohio.xls
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"Section 2953.32 | Sealing of conviction record or bail forfeiture record." Ohio Laws and Administrative Rules, https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-2953.32
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"House Bill 56." Ohio Legislature, https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/legislation-summary?id=GA131-HB-56
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"Columbus, Dayton sue Ohio Attorney General's office over spotty background check updates." The Columbus Dispatch, https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/politics/government/2020/11/09/columbus-dayton-sue-ohio-ags-office-over-background-check-updates/6192715002/