People are often confused about the difference between a background check and a criminal background check, and rightfully so. There is often little difference because regular background checks and criminal background checks both contain information on criminal history.

However, criminal background checks can be more thorough in some instances because they are specifically oriented towards criminal records databases. If you want a general overview of a person’s background, including information on marriages, divorce, bankruptcies and similar topics, a regular background check will probably provide all the information you need. But if you are specifically concerned about a person’s criminal record it may be a good idea to perform a criminal background search.

Most criminal background checks will include a person’s name, known aliases, description including tattoos and other identifying marks, arrests, convictions and prison terms. Some may even include information on outstanding warrants.

This information commonly comes from court records, police records and other similar sources. Some of the more thorough criminal background checks may include any available information about international warrants and arrests too.

It is important to note that some states prevent criminal background checks from displaying certain information about criminal records. For instance, California only allows records to show convictions, not arrests. Other states’ policies vary, so try to find out what you can expect based on where you are conducting your search and where your criminal search subject has lived.

In addition to criminal background checks, many sites also offer nanny background checks, employee background checks and online dating background checks, which are specifically tailored to certain types of people. These background checks can also contain information about criminal history, since it is important to know if a potential online date has a history of violent crime.

By conducting a nanny background check, you can verify whether your potential nanny has any past criminal record or accusations of wrongdoing. You can also verify previous employment and possibly even certifications they have earned. A nanny background check is easy to do and most background check services can provide results in 24 hours or less.

Many people don’t know that there are significant problems with child abuse and stealing by nannies. In 2001, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention reported that 4 percent of child abuse cases were caused by caregivers, nannies and baby-sitters. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services publishes annual reports on the number of child abuse cases. In 2002, the report showed that 44,000 cases were perpetrated by people other than parents, foster parents, guardians or relatives. That means this group was mostly composed of daycare providers, nannies, baby-sitters and in-home employees. In the 2005, the number had grown to more than 46,000. These chilling statistics alone offer motivation to perform nanny background checks. Below, we have included links to a few news reports involving nanny abuse or crimes.

TopTenREVIEWS has ranked some of the most popular background check services and reviewed them so you can find the service and search that is right for you.