Searchbug Criminal Records API to Google Sheets (n8n Workflow)

Instantly send criminal records searches to Google Sheets from an n8n form

This n8n workflow collects a person’s details via an n8n Form, runs a Searchbug Criminal Records API lookup, flattens the results into offense-level rows, and appends everything to Google Sheets in the Criminal Records tab.

What this workflow does

• Receives submission inputs from an n8n Form: first name, last name, and state (with optional middle name, city, date of birth, and SSN).
• Formats parameters for Searchbug to match the API requirements (using the submitted fields as input).
• Sends a POST request to the Searchbug Criminal Records API (api_crm) and retrieves the response as JSON.
• Flattens the API response so each offense/crime details record becomes one row in your sheet. If no results are found, it emits a single NORESULTS row.
• Appends rows to Google Sheets—writing each flattened record to the Google Sheets spreadsheet under the “Criminal Records” sheet/tab.

Use cases

• Run structured criminal record checks as part of screening workflows and store results for review in Google Sheets.
• Provide a self-serve form experience for operators, then automatically log outcomes per offense for reporting.
• Centralize Searchbug Criminal Records API results for teams that need searchable, spreadsheet-based tracking.

Technical details

• Nodes / tech stack: set, code, sticky note, form trigger, HTTP request, Google Sheets.
• API integration: HTTP request to Searchbug Criminal Records API (api_crm) using CO_CODE and PASS in the request body.
• Google Sheets output: append into a specified spreadsheet ID and the Criminal Records tab.
• Header mapping: create sheet headers that match the mapped fields (e.g., record_id, full_name, case_number, offense_code, disposition).

After setup, activate the workflow and share the generated form URL with the people who should run Searchbug Criminal Records lookups.