TruthFinder and TV’s Chris Hansen partner to unmask those who might prey on others.
In the ongoing battle to protect vulnerable populations from online predators, a notable partnership has emerged between public records search service TruthFinder® and renowned television journalist Chris Hansen, who brings decades of experience in aiding law enforcement and exposing criminals.
Hansen, best known for his work on To Catch a Predator and currently hosting the streaming hit Takedown with Chris Hansen, has built a career investigating and exposing individuals attempting to exploit children. His current podcast, “Predators I’ve Caught,” continues this mission by following up on cases and subjects previously featured in his investigations.
Hansen has discussed his partnership with TruthFinder, describing it as an invaluable resource for his investigative work. “Truthfinder allows us to go back and see what these men, these predators, have been up to since we first came in contact with them,” Hansen explained. “It provides us with a lot of information to fill out our stories, but also to educate our listeners and viewers as to the danger any of these men may still pose.”
The service helps his team develop more comprehensive stories while educating viewers about potential ongoing threats from previously identified predators.
Beyond retrospective research, Hansen reveals that TruthFinder plays a critical role in his team’s active fieldwork. “We use Truthfinder actually when we’re out in the field during our Takedown With Chris Hansen investigations, and I find that it’s incredibly helpful to know as much as I can about these men before they arrive at our stinghouse,” Hansen stated in a video.
The information gathered through TruthFinder helps Hansen’s team prepare for confrontations and understand what they’re up against.
What Information TruthFinder Might Provide
TruthFinder provides data from public records to create detailed reports on individuals. A typical report may include contact information, criminal and traffic records, address history, social media profiles, and professional background information. For investigative journalists like Hansen, this consolidated information offers context and background that would otherwise require searching numerous sources individually.
When investigating potential predators, having access to criminal and traffic record history, address information, and online presence possibly helps establish patterns of behavior and provide critical context for understanding an individual’s actions. These public records searches don’t create new information but rather compile already-available public information into a more accessible format.
The Growing Concern About Online Predators
The partnership between TruthFinder and Hansen comes at a time when concerns about online safety continue to grow. According to a Pew Research Center survey, 48% of Americans say online dating sites and apps are a very or “somewhat” safe way to meet people, while 49% say they are “not too” safe or “not at all” safe. The split demonstrates the ongoing concern many have about online interactions.
For parents, knowing about the adults who their children are interacting with online has become increasingly essential, particularly as more young people are live-chatting over gaming consoles with adults they’ve never met in real life. The ability for an individual to verify someone’s identity and check for potential red flags through public records may provide an additional layer of security in an era where digital connections often precede physical meetings.
Responsible Use of Background Check Services
While services like TruthFinder may be used as tools for investigative journalism and personal safety, they should be used responsibly. TruthFinder emphasizes that its services should not be used for purposes requiring Fair Credit Reporting Act compliance, such as employment screening, tenant vetting, or decisions involving credit.
Hansen’s TruthFinder partnership highlights how public records, when compiled and reviewed by experienced investigators, can potentially serve as a valuable resource for keeping communities informed about potential threats.
The Broader Impact on Public Safety
Beyond the immediate value to Hansen’s investigations, the partnership between TruthFinder and the veteran journalist signals a growing awareness of how public records services may contribute to broader public safety efforts. By making already-public information more accessible, these tools empower individuals to make more informed decisions about who they allow into their lives and homes.
“It’s a great tool for us, and it’s a wonderful tool for anyone out there who needs to gather information about an individual,” Hansen noted, acknowledging the service’s value beyond his specific use case.
As digital interactions continue to become more integrated into daily life, the ability to verify identities and check backgrounds will likely remain important for many individuals. The partnership between an established investigative journalist like Hansen and a public records search service like TruthFinder illustrates how technology and expertise may combine to address ongoing safety concerns.
While no system can eliminate all risk, having access to publicly available information in a consolidated format provides one more tool for those seeking to protect themselves and their families in an increasingly connected world. “I just want to express my gratitude and tell you what a great honor it is to be partners with TruthFinder, and I hope it’s a partnership that continues for a long time to come,” Hansen shared.
