In an era where workplace safety and company reputation are paramount, relying on fingerprinting alone for background checks is like trying to navigate a ship with a compass but no map. It might point you in a general direction, but you're bound to miss crucial details along the way. 

As an employer, you can't afford to leave your hiring decisions to chance. Let's dive into why comprehensive background checks are not just an option, but a necessity in today's business landscape.

Why Fingerprinting Falls Short

Fingerprinting has been a staple in background checks for decades and it's easy to see why. It sounds high-tech, fool-proof, and straight out of a crime drama. But in the real world of employment screening, its effectiveness falls short of what many employers assume.

First off, criminal record gaps are a huge issue. Fingerprinting databases, like the FBI’s, are notoriously incomplete. In fact, the FBI database contains over 50% of arrest records, but an arrest alone doesn’t mean someone was convicted—or even charged. 

This means that for many individuals an arrest is recorded, but there's no information on whether charges were filed or if the person was convicted. For employers, this incomplete picture can lead to misguided hiring decisions. That's a whole lot of useless information clogging up your background check.

Also, since fingerprinting databases vary by jurisdiction and are far from universal, certain criminal records can slip through the cracks entirely. A person could have been convicted in one state, but if that information isn’t properly digitized or entered into the national database, the fingerprint check won’t pick it up.

A study by the National Employment Law Project found that relying solely on FBI fingerprint checks could disadvantage up to 600,000 workers a year due to incomplete or inaccurate records. That’s a risky blind spot for any employer.

Another limitation? Timeliness. Fingerprinting databases are not updated in real-time. Recent arrests or convictions can take weeks or even months to be added to the system. So if you’re hiring someone and relying on fingerprinting, you could easily miss a recent criminal charge. That’s a recipe for disaster—especially for businesses like healthcare or education, where safety is paramount.

And let’s not forget, fingerprinting doesn’t tell the whole story. Sure, it can flag criminal records (when they’re available), but it says nothing about other important factors. Employment verification, education history, professional licenses—none of that comes up in a fingerprint check. 

If you’re only using fingerprinting, you’re leaving massive gaps in the candidate's background that could cost your business down the road. Consider the risk of negligent hiring lawsuits.

In heavily regulated industries, the stakes are even higher. For instance, in healthcare, HIPAA violations can result in fines up to $50,000 per incident. A single bad hire with access to sensitive patient information could lead to substantial penalties and reputational damage. While this is an extreme case, it illustrates the potential financial impact of inadequate background checks.

These limitations make one thing clear. Fingerprinting alone just isn’t enough.

Obtaining The Full Picture

Now that we’ve covered the shortcomings of fingerprinting, let’s talk about what really works, which is full background checks. If fingerprinting is the butter knife of screening tools, full background checks are the Swiss Army knife. They don’t just look at one piece of the puzzle—they give you the whole picture.

First and foremost, comprehensive coverage is what sets full background checks apart. Fingerprinting might give you a hit on a criminal record (if you're lucky), but a full background check digs deeper. 

These checks go beyond just criminal records, pulling information from a variety of sources like employment history, education records, and even professional licenses. This kind of thorough vetting is exactly what you need to make sure you’re hiring someone who is fully qualified and doesn’t pose a hidden risk.

There’s also the issue of accuracy and reliability. Full background checks don’t rely on a single, outdated database. Instead, they pull from multiple databases and sources updated in real-time. No more waiting for recent convictions to show up weeks after the fact. 

You’ll know what you need to know when you need to know it. Let's face it, peace of mind is priceless when you’re responsible for the safety and success of your business. The benefits of thorough background checks are backed by research. A SHRM report found that 92% of employers surveyed use one or more types of employment background screening.

But it's not just about catching discrepancies. Comprehensive checks can actively contribute to a safer and more productive workplace. A study by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners found organizations with anti-fraud controls in place, including thorough background checks, experienced fraud losses 50% smaller and detected frauds 50% more quickly compared to those without such controls.

With full background checks, you’re getting a 360-degree view of your candidate. Not just a criminal history, but insights into their work ethic, qualifications, and trustworthiness. It’s about protecting your organization before any damage is done, and making sure your next hire is truly the right fit.

Stop Gambling with Fingerprints

In a world where information is power, relying on fingerprinting alone is like bringing a knife to a gunfight. You're leaving your company exposed to unnecessary risks and missing out on the insights that could lead to your next great hire.

On the other hand, full background checks offer a comprehensive, accurate, and reliable view of a candidate’s history. By combining criminal record searches with employment verification, education checks, and professional licensing reviews, full background checks provide a thorough investigation that keeps your organization safe.

When the stakes are high, as they are in education, healthcare, and nonprofit sectors, you need more than just a fingerprint match—you need confidence and peace of mind.

Don’t take unnecessary risks with your hiring process. Contact us today to learn how full background checks can protect your organization, your reputation, and your people. Let’s ensure your next hire is a perfect fit—before any costly mistakes are made. 

Call (518) 271-7546 or click the button below to get started with a customized, full-spectrum screening solution tailored to your needs.