Q. "Can you do a background check?"
A. Background checks mean different things to different people. It may be as simple as checking for vehicles owned, identifying a previous address, or something more complex, like identifying every address, spouse, job, and vehicle a person has had for the past 20 years. In most background checks, the client wants to know about previous lawsuits or criminal activity by the person being checked. This is accomplished by checking public records at courthouses, online databases, interviewing acquaintances, etc. The client should specify how much information they are seeking at the outset of the assignment.
Q. "Can you run a criminal history on someone?
A. Civilians are not allowed access to the nationwide criminal arrest database used by law enforcement, unless they have a signed release. Many states and municipalities have searchable online databases which the public can access for arrest information, but West Virginia is not one of those states. The best way to identify arrest information in states which are not online is to identify all previous home and work addresses, then conduct a county by county search for arrest information in those locations. Persons living within a certain county could also be charged and have a record in a municipal court which would not show up in the county court search. Each municipal court clerk must be searched separately. Further, the person could have traveled outside the area where they live and work and have been arrested in another city or state. The only way a comprehensive criminal history can be obtained by non-law enforcement officers is with a completed fingerprint card, a signed release from the person being checked, and $25, which is submitted to the West Virginia State Police Headquarters in South Charleston, West Virginia. This is known as an NCIC record check.
You should carefully consider this information before making a hiring decision based on an applicant's criminal background. Helpful information from the United States EEOC website is as follows; http://www.eeoc.gov/laws/guidance/arrest_conviction.cfm
Q. "How much do you charge?"
A. Most work is charged at an hourly rate plus mileage and expenses. There are many variables which help determine how much your assignment may cost. These variables include how much information you already have, how much information you are seeking, whether the information is to be used in court or only for your own consideration, the location of the information, and how soon you need the results. It is like telling the doctor you are sick and asking how much it costs to make you well. It depends on whether you have a sore throat or cancer.
Q. "I need a reputable investigator in another state. Can you help?"
A. Michael Kidd is a member of Intellenet, a worldwide network of private investigators with members in all 50 states. There is strict criteria to join Intellenet, with most members coming from law enforcement or a military background. They can be found on the world wide web at www.intellenetwork.org . Kidd is also a member of the National Council of Investigators and Security Services, (NCISS), also available on the web at www.nciss.com Reputable members from this group can also be found in all 50 states and around the world. Please mention that you found them through Kidd Investigations, Inc.
Q. "Can you get vehicle ownership information from the WV Department of Motor Vehicles?
A. Yes, under certain conditions. Starting July 1, 2011, the WV DMV went well beyond the Federal Driver's Protection Privacy Act requirements, making it difficult even for licensed private investigators to get information. In most cases we can obtain ownership information from a license plate that you provide. The WV DMV will no longer release information to private investigators who are working for individuals, such as in divorce, child custody, or missing person cases.
Q. "Can you obtain a history for driver's license on individuals?"
A. Yes, in most cases. Again, we can only do this for attorneys, insurance companies, and people with a legitimate need to know.
Q. What is the DPPA?
The Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) is the prohibition on release and use of certain personal information from State motor vehicle records. "Motor vehicle record" means any record that pertains to a motor vehicle operator's permit, motor vehicle title, motor vehicle registration, or identification card issued by a department of motor vehicles. The statute prohibits the disclosure of personal information (as defined in 18 U.S.C. § 2725) without the express consent of the person to whom such information applies, with the exception of certain circumstances set forth in 18 U.S.C. § 2721. These rules apply to Departments of Motor Vehicles as well as other "authorized recipient[s] of personal information", and impose record-keeping requirements on those "authorized recipients."
DPPA PERMISSIBLE USES
Court, Law Enforcement, or Government Agencies: Use by a court, law enforcement agency or other government agency or entity acting directly on behalf of a government agency.
Motor Vehicle Safety or Theft: Use for any matter regarding motor vehicle or driver safety or theft (except by motor vehicle manufacturers). Use in Normal Course of Business: For use in the normal course of business but only to verify the accuracy of personal information submitted by the individual to the business; and if the submitted information is incorrect, to obtain the correct information, but only for the purposes of preventing fraud by, pursuing legal remedies against, or recovering on a debt or security interest against, the individual. Insurance: Use by an insurer or insurance support organization in connection with claims investigation activities or anti-fraud activities. Civil, Criminal, Administrative, or Arbitral Proceedings: Use in connection with a civil, criminal, administrative, or arbitral proceeding, including the service of process, investigation in anticipation of litigation, the execution or enforcement of judgments, or in compliance with the orders of any court. Commercial Driver's License: Use by an employer or its agents or insurer to obtain or verify information relating to a holder of a commercial driver's license that is required under chapter 313 of title 49 of the United States Code. Licensed Private Investigative or Security Services: Use by a licensed private investigative agency, or licensed security service, for a purpose permitted above.
For the complete DPPA language, click http://www.accessreports.com/statutes/DPPA1.htm