For those who can afford it, it would be wise to engage a private investigation firm to do a background check. The credit history of a person can tell you allot about that person - and I emphasize history. A criminal background check is of course helpful, except in the case of some youthful offenders in small localities where the crimes are not reported by the Sherriff. A rigorous interview based upon the submission of a written personal history is often enough. Any time there is a conflict in the information provided or there are gaps - these are the things to hone in on. After reviewing a man's personal history with him, there were conflicts he could not explain. This man was a truly lovely fellow to be around. I highlighted these conflicts and sent his file to a higher headquarters asking them to pursue this matter. As a result, the FBI removed a rather charming, armed bank robber from the streets of Charlotte, NC. You can do this - never be in a hurry! Ron Rogers Now conversing with dogs, looking for conflicts. ----- Original Message ----- From: "Ken Williams" <kenw@seanet.com> | Reading this article reinforced in my mind the necessity of doing background | checks on all crew members coming aboard. I haven't quite figured how I'll | do this, but at a minimum I'd like to know if they have a criminal record, | or substance abuse issues, and you can't assume they are going to tell you. | | -Ken Williams | Nordhavn68.com