Business Details
42 Years
experience
Trusted Private Investigation and Background Screening Services
Founded in 1984 by Robert McDowell, our agency has protected schools, businesses, and volunteer-based organizations nationwide for over 30 years. We specialize in background investigations and pre-employment screening services, serving nonprofits, government agencies, youth sports organizations, schools, and corporations. Our licensed private investigators hold degrees in Criminal Justice or Criminology, ensuring expertise in delivering accurate results. With a 98% client retention rate, we prioritize personalized service and maintain rigorous quality control.Our technology-driven approach achieves an average 48-hour turnaround for criminal background checks. We design customized programs to meet unique client needs while upholding ethical standards in handling sensitive information. Our team undergoes continuous professional development to maintain industry leadership in compliance and investigative techniques.
Services
Criminal Background Screening
Drug Testing
Employment Verification
Academic Verification
International Background Checks
Details
- Year established: 1984
Highlights and features
- We maintain a 98% client retention rate through personalized service
- Our 48-hour average turnaround for background checks ensures timely results
- All account representatives are licensed private investigators with criminal justice degrees
- We provide 24/7 access to order entry and screening results
- Our quality control process includes licensed investigator review of all reports
What people say
Excellent and prompt customer service
Fast accurate results
Knowledgeable professionals
Responsive to needs
Thorough and accurate
Services
Criminal Background Screening
Our criminal background screening service provides comprehensive criminal record checks through public databases and court records. Licensed investigators verify information accuracy before delivering reports. Clients receive detailed documentation compliant with FCRA regulations, supporting informed hiring decisions for organizations nationwide.
Employment Verification
We confirm employment history through direct contact with previous employers and official records. Our verification process includes job titles, dates of employment, and rehire eligibility. This service helps organizations validate candidate claims and maintain workplace safety standards through thorough employment history analysis.
Academic Verification
Our academic verification service confirms educational credentials through direct contact with institutions and official records. We verify degrees earned, dates of attendance, and academic honors. This service ensures organizations maintain professional standards by confirming applicants' educational qualifications match their claims.
Drug Testing
We coordinate comprehensive drug testing programs through certified laboratories nationwide. Our services include collection site management, chain-of-custody documentation, and result verification. This service helps organizations maintain drug-free workplaces while ensuring compliance with industry-specific testing requirements and privacy regulations.
International Background Checks
Our international background checks utilize global networks to verify information across borders. Services include criminal record checks, employment verification, and credential validation in multiple countries. This service supports multinational organizations' due diligence requirements while navigating international data privacy laws and reporting standards.
People
Amy Fitzgerald
Chief Financial Officer
Amy Fitzgerald oversees all financial operations and human resources at McDowell Agency. With over 20 years of experience, she manages accounting functions and strategic financial planning while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
Tim Landsberger
Vice President
Tim Landsberger leads sales strategy and client relations at McDowell Agency. With 15+ years of experience, he develops growth initiatives and provides expert guidance on criminal background screening compliance and best practices.
Taylor Moses
Director of Operations
Taylor Moses manages daily operations and client satisfaction as Director of Operations. A licensed private investigator with criminal justice expertise, she oversees service delivery and leads the account management team to ensure exceptional client experiences.
Claudia Watson
Lead Record Researcher
Claudia Watson leads public records research and international background check operations. With criminal justice expertise, she ensures compliance with privacy laws while managing complex database investigations and international client relationships.
Questions
What types of background checks do you offer?
We provide criminal background checks, employment verification, academic verification, drug testing, and international background checks tailored to organizational needs.
How quickly do you deliver results?
Our average turnaround time for criminal background checks is less than 48 hours with real-time status tracking available.
Are your investigators licensed professionals?
All our account representatives are licensed private investigators with degrees in Criminal Justice or Criminology.
How do you ensure report accuracy?
Every report undergoes review by licensed investigators and includes quality control checks before client delivery.
Can you handle international investigations?
Yes, we provide international background checks through our global research networks and compliance experts.
What industries do you serve?
We serve schools, nonprofits, government agencies, corporations, and volunteer organizations with customized screening solutions.
Reviews (3)
Kate Preece
Sep 02, 2020
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Professional investigation and pre-employment screening. Great customer service. No walk-in appointments, so call ahead.
Matthew Nye
Oct 14, 2017
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I have to say I had a great experience working with the McDowell Agency. I have used them for background screenings on applicants for my rental property and the entire experience was easy and painless. Turnaround was quick, the reports were thorough and the price was fair. Could not of had a better experience.
Sullie
Aug 11, 2017
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McDowell's services are fairly priced, comprehensive and reliable! I'd recommend their team and services to any business owner looking to improve their hiring process and/or grow their business!
