Is there a way I can improve accuracy when requesting research on an applicant with a common name?

When you run a background check on an applicant with an extremely common name (e.g., John Smith), be sure to include the middle name or initial whenever possible. This will be used as an identifier to ensure your searches are as accurate as possible and reduce false hits. Criminal information is indexed by the individual’s last name and date of birth. In most cases, we are able to verify identity based on these identifiers alone.