Fresno County, California

Spread across the central portion of Southern California, Fresno County is one of the state’s most populous counties with 1 million residents. Nearby counties include Inyo, Kings, Madera, Merced, Mono, Monterey, San Benito, and Tulare. Fresno remains a primarily agricultural county with large employers such as Sun-Maid, Cargill, and ConAgra. 

With a large population and proximity to many other counties, Fresno County and its eponymous city is a destination for many regional job-seekers. Companies in Fresno have many opportunities to acquire talented new hires. However, these advantages come with a caveat: tapping into an abundant labor pool requires the ability to avoid hiring unsuitable individuals who may negatively impact the business.

The key to navigating these challenges is a well-conceived plan for applicant vetting. Use thorough background checks to develop a well-rounded sense of your applicants’ suitability. Keep in mind that a successful vetting policy must be easily replicable—your first background check should be as quick and easy as your fiftieth.  

What information should you consider during this process? Use Fresno County’s records as a starting point. Searching for criminal records at the county level is a quick way to save time and eliminate any candidates who may be immediately unsuitable. Next, look farther afield to include many of the counties that border Fresno, such as Monterey and Kings County. Don’t overlook this step—individuals move frequently, and they may leave behind a relevant criminal history in addition to a forwarding address. 

During this process, take care to remain within the boundaries of California’s ban the box law. Applications cannot ask about criminal history, and any background checks must wait until you have extended a conditional employment offer and secured the applicant’s consent. 

When considering criminal history data, employers must evaluate factors including time past since the conviction, how the crime does or does not relate to the job, and any efforts made towards rehabilitation. Denying an applicant grants them the right to appeal. 

Structuring your process to adhere to these guidelines is essential. With a compliant procedure in place, you may begin screening applicants. Rely on backgroundchecks.com as your source for detailed criminal history information with products ideal for both small and large businesses. Begin with the county-level background check to start evaluating Fresno County records, then supplement your results with the US OneSEARCH for information from nearby counties.

Each of these products includes information maintained in official databases. Data is subject to change. Businesses in need of the most up-to-date information possible may use our on-site courthouse search service, which produces results within three business days. 

These reporting products include information from the: 

• California Department of Corrections – Felony records for offenders on parole, updates semi-annually
• California Sex Offender Registry – Updated bi-weekly
• Fresno County Superior Court – Felony and misdemeanor records from 1997-present, updated monthly

 These reports may contain a subject’s: 

• Name
• Offense
• Sentence  

Tap into the diverse labor market throughout Fresno County by empowering your business with the right tools for making smart hiring choices.

Learn more about our county background check options