Why public records are useful to the general public

People have always been committing crimes… and they always will. Technology has made it easier to commit such crimes as identity theft, solicitation of minors, etc., but it has also made any past crimes, dishonest conduct or any other potentially threatening history easier to discover.

Let’s address some of the most recent cases plaguing our communities, making chilling headlines: priests and teachers molesting children, nannies abusing babies, online and neighborhood sexual predators posing threats to women and children – the list goes on.
Thankfully, there is a simple solution that has been taking our society by storm: online background checks. Think about it: if we diligently investigate everyone we traditionally tend to trust due to their position and influence on our private lives, with the potential to pose threat to our kids, possessions, and peace of mind, many, if not all of these heartbreaking incidents can be avoided.

Most aspects of our daily lives can be protected and simplified with this minimal precaution.

* Going on a date? Run a background check! Pull up the person’s criminal records, along with all other public records, and avoid rapists and murderers, as well as married liars, bankrupt addicts… you get the picture.
* Hiring a new employee? Run a background check! Check for violent or drug-related crimes and/or embezzlements, a history of addiction, or any other issues that may potentially cause lawsuits or threaten your business and safety.
* Renting an apartment? Make sure your landlord is not headed for foreclosure, and avoid becoming homeless overnight. Conversely, landlords should investigate potential tenants for past credit issues, nonpayment, eviction and/or property destruction.
* Buying or selling a car, a home? Check out former owners and their public records for any liens or other deficiencies, evidence of construction or accidents.
* And of course, please take extra precaution with everyone who may come into direct contact with your children.

Trust must be earned, it’s not a prerogative, and it begins with a clean background check.