Using Minnesota Public Records

Screen job applicants with MN public records

Hiring a new employee is one of the most common reasons for using Minnesota public records. A small business may prefer to take advantage of the free information available online instead of hiring another company to perform this service.

Finding an applicant with the right job qualifications is only part of the hiring process. Background checks should be essential because the employer can be held responsible for an employee’s actions on the job. Free minnesota court records can help identify individuals that could be a poor choice due to their credit or criminal history. Employers must also specifically check people who will be working with children or the elderly for any history of abuse.

There are three types of public records of particular interest when performing background checks:

1. Credit reports that show current lines of credit, payment histories and Minnesota bankruptcy records.

2. Public records in Minnesota that show past convictions, births or divorces. These may also be useful in determining criminal history, residency requirements and alimony payments.

3. Registered sex offender lists. Minnesota requires convicted sex offenders to be kept on a list for a specified period after their conviction.

 

Use a Minnesota public record to get general information on individuals

A Minnesota record can include information on births, deaths and divorces. Many cities and counties in Minnesota have websites with this information that is freely available to the general public.
Try: The Recorders Office for Sherburne County maintains a variety of records including real estate transactions, birth and death records. The Assessors Office for Benton County allows various levels of access to property records.

Use Minnesota criminal records to get information on criminal history

Law enforcement agencies keep criminal records which may be publicly available. Laws vary widely by state as to the specific information you will be able to obtain. Some government agencies may also charge fees.
Try: The Minnesota Predatory Offender Registry maintains a list of registered sexual offenders that is accessible by the public. e-renter.com performs background checks for renters in Minnesota as well as other screening services.

Use MN criminal records to conduct background checks

There are many sites dedicated to performing background checks for prospective employees. These checks can also include Social Security number verification, education verification and reference checks.
Try: The McDowell Agency performs a variety of investigative services in Minnesota including background checks. Payroll Control Systems is based in Minnesota and offers background checks among many other employer services.

 

• Tip 1 You will first need to obtain some basic information on the individual you are seeking free Minnesota public records for. Job applicants will need to provide this information on the application form or on a separate form for the background check. Individuals must also grant permission for a background check in most cases.

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