For your convenience, our most common customer questions are answered right here.
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Q: Do I need ALL of a person’s information in order to initiate an investigation?
A: No. Just provide what information you have. You will be contacted prior to work being started in order to discuss any details or background that the investigator feels would aid in the investigation.
Q: Are you FCRA compliant?
A: While we are not a Credit Reporting Agency, we do follow standard Federal guidelines pertaining to release of background information and records retention. We also follow HIPAA laws and are HIPAA certified, should there ever be a legal need for any protected medical information to be exchanged. Learn more about FCRA and HIPAA in our Resources page.
Q: How long does it take to complete an investigation?
A: It depends on what is being done, but we will consult with you directly about your desired due date and estimated completion time. Factors to consider include what records or information is being requested, what states are being searched, and if the local courthouses are experiencing delays (ie: during holidays, inclement weather, etc.)
Q: Will you do work for a private person that does not own a company and does not otherwise have a business need for an investigation?
A: Yes. But, we will only supply another person’s contact and location information with Law Enforcement, attorneys, insurance companies, or a government agency that is involved. This is for your safety and the other party’s safety. We will not supply location or contact information directly to a person with a private need such as: running a license plate to track down who hit your car, finding someone who allegedly stole from you, or providing the address of someone who may not be paying child support. We will convey that information on your behalf directly to the agencies who should be involved and supply a redacted copy of the report, and proof of submission to the applicable agency, to you for your records.
Q: What makes Polaris different from all those other services that offer instant, nationwide backgrounds?
A: The fact is, there is no national database where all a person’s criminal and civil records are stored AND that is legally accessible for public use. Such databases are utilized by Federal and local law enforcement agencies ONLY and cannot be used for personal purposes. Furthermore, not every state or county reports information the same way and to the same resources; therefore, each request is handled knowing the state’s access rules and then records are searched accordingly.