When wanting to obtain any arrest records on an individual you will need to gather as much information as you can which will allow you to successfully complete your search.
When filling out a request form you will need the person's full name (no nicknames), address and date of birth as well as their social security number.
You will have the option to choose from a state or country wide search.
If you do not know the individual at all or only briefly it is far better to do a much broader search as the person may have a criminal record in another state or county.
If they are from another county one can have a manual county level search done by the local court and if this is not possible one can use an online search website.
There are many free online resources whereby you can obtain various search engines by using the name and birth date and at the same time you can also do a free credit check.
In addition there is also a sexual offender's database available.
If you are unable to find the information you require on the free search website then you may need to approach one of the many paid searches available.
If you find that your search was not successful or was incomplete you may have to find other alternatives such as visiting government archives as well as your local court house.
Another option is your local law enforce agency which could do a nationwide search for any arrest records at a nominal fee and in addition they are able to obtain criminal files and indictments as well as FBI records.
If you find that the person you are screening has no criminal record then you will have peace of mind when offering them employment.