Continuous Criminal Monitoring
Ongoing criminal record monitoring with automated alerts when new charges, arrests, or convictions appear. Not a scheduled recheck - continuous surveillance of participating jurisdictions.
What Criminal Monitoring Covers
Criminal monitoring watches for new records that appear in participating jurisdictions and databases after the initial background check. When something changes, you're notified.
New Criminal Charges
Alerts when new arrests, charges, or indictments appear in monitored jurisdictions - even before conviction.
Case Dispositions
Notifications when pending cases are resolved, dismissed, or result in conviction or acquittal.
Incarceration Records
Monitoring of jail and prison booking records when an employee is arrested or detained.
Warrant Activity
Alerts when warrants are issued for an employee (bench warrants, arrest warrants, etc.) where data is available.
Sex Offender Registry Updates
Ongoing monitoring of sex offender registry additions or status changes.
Probation Violations
Notifications when probation or parole violations are filed (where reporting jurisdiction provides this data).
Important: Criminal monitoring only covers jurisdictions and databases that provide ongoing record feeds. It does not cover every court in the country. Coverage is broader in some regions than others.
How Criminal Monitoring Works
Criminal monitoring is not manual. Once enabled for a position, the system handles surveillance, alert generation, and notification automatically.
Monitoring is Activated
Once a background check is completed, monitoring begins automatically if the position's compliance rules include continuous monitoring. No manual activation required.
Databases Are Scanned Continuously
PSBI monitors national and jurisdictional databases for new records matching monitored employees. This is not a scheduled recheck - it's continuous surveillance.
Alerts Trigger When Records Appear
When a new criminal record is detected, an alert is generated. The alert includes record details and a link to the full report.
Designated Recipients Are Notified
Alerts are sent to the designated compliance contact (HR, manager, etc.) via email or dashboard notification. Who gets notified is configurable.
Follow-Up Actions Are Documented
The system tracks when alerts were sent, who acknowledged them, and any follow-up actions taken (investigation, interview, termination, etc.).
Designed to Be Built Into Compliance Rules
Most CRAs treat monitoring as an add-on service you have to remember to turn on. PSBI treats it as part of your ongoing compliance configuration. When you set up a position\'s compliance requirements, you define whether criminal monitoring should be enabled. The system applies it automatically to every person hired into that role.
No one has to remember to "turn on monitoring" for each new hire. It's just how that position works.
Monitoring vs. Periodic Rescreening
Criminal monitoring and periodic rescreening are not the same thing. They serve different purposes and are often used together in a comprehensive compliance program.
| Aspect | Continuous Monitoring | Periodic Rescreening |
|---|---|---|
| Timing | Continuous - alerts arrive as soon as new records are detected in monitored databases | Scheduled - searches are re-run at defined intervals (annually, every 2 years, etc.) |
| Coverage | Limited to participating jurisdictions and databases that support ongoing monitoring | Full re-run of original search scope (county, state, federal, etc.) |
| Use Case | Catch events as they happen without waiting for the next scheduled recheck | Comprehensive periodic verification, especially for jurisdictions that don't support monitoring |
| Cost Model | Subscription or per-employee monthly fee | Per-search cost each time a rescreen is triggered |
When to Use Monitoring
Use criminal monitoring when you want real-time or near-real-time alerts about new criminal activity. Best for roles where immediate awareness of arrests or charges matters (positions with fiduciary responsibility, access to vulnerable populations, safety-sensitive roles, etc.).
When to Use Rescreening
Use periodic rescreening when you need comprehensive verification at defined intervals. Best for roles where annual or biennial full background checks are required by policy or regulation, or where monitoring coverage gaps exist (jurisdictions that don\'t support continuous monitoring).
What Criminal Monitoring Can't Do
Criminal monitoring is powerful, but it\'s not magic. Understanding the limitations helps set realistic expectations.
Not All Courts Are Monitored
Criminal monitoring relies on databases and jurisdictions that provide ongoing record feeds. Not all county courts or states participate. Coverage varies by region.
Reporting Delays Exist
Records appear in monitoring systems only after they're reported to the monitored database. There can be delays between the actual event (arrest, charge) and when it appears in the monitoring feed.
Monitoring Does Not Replace Rescreening
Monitoring supplements background checks but doesn't eliminate the need for periodic rescreening. Some records may not appear in monitoring feeds but would be caught in a direct court search.
Best Practice: Combine Monitoring and Rescreening
The most comprehensive compliance programs use both continuous monitoring and periodic rescreening. Monitoring provides ongoing surveillance in participating jurisdictions. Rescreening catches anything monitoring missed by running full searches at scheduled intervals. Together, they provide layered coverage.
Related Ongoing Compliance Services
Criminal monitoring is one part of a complete ongoing compliance strategy. Other monitoring services address different risk areas.
Exclusion Monitoring
Ongoing monitoring of federal and state exclusion lists (OIG, SAM, Medicaid, etc.). Critical for healthcare and government contractors.
Learn MoreLicense & Credential Tracking
Track professional license expirations, status changes, and disciplinary actions for licensed employees.
Learn MorePeriodic Rescreening
Scheduled re-runs of background checks at defined intervals. Complements monitoring by providing comprehensive point-in-time verification.
Learn MoreReady to get started?
See how PreSearch handles continuous criminal monitoring as part of your ongoing compliance program.