Order Court Records from Cook County, Illinois

Cook County occupies the northeastern corner of Illinois. It is home to the City of Chicago and an important part of the Chicago metropolitan area. The county has a large population of about 5.2 million. Nearby counties include DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will. Nearly half of the state’s entire population lives in this single county. As a result, Cook County boasts a bustling economy employing vast numbers of people. For employers, safe hiring in this environment often requires examining Cook County court records.

Some of the largest Cook County employers include Walgreens, Walmart, Advocate Health Care, and AT&T Illinois. Many of these companies use comprehensive background checks to select and hire applicants. Let’s consider why such tools are so important in a busy metro area like Chicago.

When Hiring, Cook County Records Could Play a Key Role

Hiring is about more than just selecting the right person for the job. That is a top priority, but so is protecting your business and the public. It’s prudent to avoid hiring someone who might be at risk of committing a crime on the job. For employers in Cook County, the large population represents a vibrant labor pool. It also comes with a higher level of risk, especially in a major metropolitan area.

Mitigating these risks is critical. Proper screening through criminal background checks helps. Employers should take a “big picture” view of job applicants. Managers making hiring decisions should check to see if the individual has a local criminal record. Looking beyond Cook County may also be a smart move. Otherwise, you might overlook important records held in adjacent counties.

Consider an example. Your applicant may have never lived in DuPage County, but could’ve committed a crime there. A criminal records search of only Cook County wouldn’t show those records. You’ll need to look farther afield. Conducting background checks requires tools that simplify obtaining the data you need.

Equipping Your Business to Find Cook County Criminal Records

What pre-employment background check solutions will provide the insight you require? At backgroundchecks.com, we provide a suite of powerful services to help. Our county-level background check lets you conduct a quick criminal records check in Cook County. You could also expand your search to include DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, or Will Counties. What about when you want a much broader view?

Our US OneSEARCH provides instant results from Cook County and its neighbors for a fast turnaround. This background check service searches public records stored in our database. Drawn from official sources nationwide, you can instantly search millions of records. As a next step for your process, it’s a potent resource.

Remember that we strive to maintain the most up-to-date electronic database possible. However, records may change in between updates. For example, a case currently listed as “pending” in our database may change status. The prosecutors might drop or amend the charges. Are you hiring for an especially sensitive position? A direct search may yield the most updated look at official court records. Direct courthouse record searches can take from 1 to 3 business days.

Compliance Concerns in the Chicago Area

Before you order any background checks, ensure you comply with the law. Following federal law and state laws is essential for avoiding problems. What rules do you need to keep in mind with a background search?

Your first requirement is abiding by federal law such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act. The FCRA says you must always disclose that you use background checks while hiring. You must also get written consent from job applicants before you order any reports. Review your process to ensure FCRA compliance.

Cook County employers are subject to Illinois’s Job Opportunities for Qualified Applicants Act. This “ban the box” law disallows private employers from placing questions about criminal history on applications. Employers must schedule the applicant for an interview or provide a conditional job offer first. Only after meeting those requirements can you use a background check.  

These rules apply only to businesses employing 15 or more people. Exemptions do exist. For positions in which federal or state laws prohibit hiring people with certain convictions, the law may not apply. Illinois does not restrict pre-employment drug testing, and neither does Cook County.

Once you’re confident that your business’s hiring policy plays by the rules, you can start screening.

What Can You See in Cook County, Illinois Court Records

Information in our reporting products comes from multiple sources, including:

• Cook County courthouses – Records begin in 1993, updated monthly
• Illinois Department of Corrections – Records begin in 1986, updated quarterly
• Illinois sex offender registry – Records begin in 2004, updated bi-weekly

Reports from the above sources may contain a range of information, including the subject’s:

• Offense and date of offense
• Arrest date
• Disposition and disposition date

Finding an applicant who perfectly fits an open position can be a challenge. However, we believe that checking that applicant’s background should be easy. Discover how you can better understand applicants in Cook County with our help.