- Criminal Searches. Despite courthouse closures, Sterling is completing more than 95% of criminal searches in the U.S. Although response strategies vary by jurisdictions, if criminal data can be collected, we will. If a criminal record search cannot be completed due to a court closure, Sterling will close the search indicate that it cannot be performed. As an alternative solution where U.S. counties permit, you have the option of utilizing a statewide search to fulfill orders at an additional cost. Or, you can choose to re-run searches at no additional cost once the court reopens. Please note the following county and statewide delays:
- All counties in Massachusetts and Delaware are fulfilling requests, but experiencing turnaround delays.
- For counties that are fulfilling in Georgia and Kentucky, we are experiencing turnaround delays.
- Nevada counties (Washoe, Douglas, Lyon), Nevada statewide, Illinois statewide, and California counties that require clerk assistance to complete searches are able to fulfill, but experiencing longer than normal turnaround times.
- For COVID-19 updates and a status of U.S. court closures, please click on Help & Resources, and search for COVID-19.
- Civil Searches. If a civil search can be completed without in-person research, Sterling will do so. For any civil search that requires in-person court research, Sterling will close as “Unperformable.”
- Drug and Health Services. Sterling is working diligently with our partners to ensure continuity of our drug and health services. Please note:
- While we do our best to proactively communicate testing site updates in collaboration with our valued partners, the landscape of COVID-19 is rapidly changing. Although Patient Service Center (PSCs) testing sites provided through Quest, LabCorp, and Concentra are not collecting samples or testing for COVID-19, we strongly encourage you and candidates to contact sites prior to testing to confirm appointment availability, wait times, and hours of operation. If a candidate visits a test site and feels uncomfortable or at risk, they should leave and contact Sterling at 800-853-3228, option 7, for assistance in locating another testing site or use the link provided in their registration email.
- Several of our lab partners are providing additional accommodations, such as:
- LabCorp and Quest are reserving the first hour of operation for those over 65 years old and for those who have health conditions.
- LabCorp launched a “Wait While You’re Comfortable” program to provide candidates the flexibility to wait in their vehicle until the technician is ready for their appointment. Learn more here.
- In addition, our lab partners have assured us that the health and safety of their employees and patients is of utmost importance. All of our lab partners are proceeding with workplace drug test collections using standard safety and hygiene protocols while diligently following best practices set by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and Department of Transportation (DOT) websites.
- As of April 7, 2020, 44 states have implemented some form of shelter in place or stay at home order. As a result, if a workplace drug or health test cannot be completed, Sterling will close the search and indicate that it cannot be performed.
- Education Verifications. Since the majority of our colleges and universities are verified through Sterling’s automated National Student Clearinghouse system, you will experience minimal impact. If the entity is found to be temporarily closed (and depending on your account set-up), Sterling will either 1) reach out immediately to obtain this information from you or the candidate, or 2) the search will be closed indicating, “This search cannot be fulfilled at this time as the entity is temporarily closed.“
- Employment Verifications. If an employment verification can’t be completed through automation and we know the entity is closed, Sterling will either 1) reach out immediately to obtain this information from you or the candidate, or 2) close the search indicating, “This search cannot be fulfilled at this time as the entity is temporarily closed.“
- Fingerprinting Services via Sterling Identity. The Sterling Identity Network, comprised of 700+ fingerprinting kiosks at The UPS Stores nationwide, is taking reasonable precautions to minimize the spread of COVID-19 by pausing fingerprinting services temporarily until further notice. You can choose to move forward with the background check process without fingerprint results, use name-based screening, or wait for the fingerprinting service to return to normal. You may also offer the option of on-site fingerprinting at your business location.
- Motor Vehicle Records (MVR). While Sterling fulfills most of our MVR check services electronically, we anticipate delays for requests that require manual processing. Please note that access to Guam, Pennsylvania, and Puerto Rico MVR records is on hold until further notice.
- New Jersey State Police Records. Due to a staff shortage in response to COVID-19, New Jersey is processing State Police records requests on a limited basis and is unable to provide an accurate time for completion. As a result, we are experiencing longer-than-normal turnaround times.
- Workers’ Compensation. We are not processing workers’ compensation requests for Arizona, Colorado, and Idaho; these requests will be closed as unperformable.
Sterling is doing everything in our power to continue serving you and carrying out our mission of providing the foundation of trust and safety you need to create great environments for your most essential resource, people.
In light of the growing impact of the novel Coronavirus, COVID-19, the Sterling team has been enacting the necessary contingencies for our business operations throughout the world. For more information, visit https://www.sterlingcheck.com/covid-19/.
As with all unforeseen events, Sterling’s global screening and identity services continue to stand apart thanks to our automation technology and partner relationships. We are committed to providing our clients every opportunity to make fast, accurate and safe hiring decisions.
To avoid business disruption given this evolving situation, please note the following actions: