Why Doesn't the National Criminal Cover All States?

Many screening companies misrepresent the scope of national criminal databases. We believe in full transparency about what our searches actually cover — and just as importantly, what they don't. Here's an honest breakdown of why the national criminal search doesn't provide complete coverage across all 50 states.

Why Coverage Gaps Exist

Inconsistent Court Reporting

Courts in different towns and districts report to the national database at varying frequencies — and some don't report at all. New York, for example, does not report to national criminal databases. States update their databases on different schedules: some daily, some weekly, some monthly. This inconsistency means the database is never a perfect real-time picture of criminal activity nationwide.

Stale Information Risk

An applicant convicted within the past month may not appear in a national search if the local courts in their jurisdiction haven't yet pushed that update to the database. The more recently a crime occurred, the higher the risk it isn't captured yet.

State-Specific Gaps

Some states provide insufficient coverage through the national database, requiring supplemental statewide criminal searches or county criminal searches to achieve thorough results.

What the National Criminal Search Does Include

Despite its limitations, the national criminal search remains a valuable component of a comprehensive screening package. It covers:

• Weekly updates from security watch lists (OIG, OFAC, SAM, DEA/FBI)
• Warrants and arrest records
• Out-of-state conviction records
• Information not always captured in statewide reports

Our Recommendation