Do Police Reports Show Up on Background Checks?
Direct Answer:
Not all police reports show up on background checks, but it depends on the circumstances and the type of background check being conducted. This article will delve into the specifics and provide insight into when and how police reports can appear on background checks.
What is a Police Report?
A police report is an official document detailing an incident or occurrence reported to law enforcement, including the events leading up to the incident, witness statements, and any relevant evidence collected. Police reports are typically created when an individual reports a crime or an incident, such as a traffic accident, assault, or theft.
How Do Police Reports Get Stored?
Police reports are typically stored in law enforcement databases, such as the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS). These databases contain information on criminal incidents, including those that did not result in an arrest or conviction.
What Information is Contained in Police Reports?
Police reports typically contain information such as:
- Date and time of the incident
- Location of the incident
- Names of parties involved
- Details of the incident, including witnesses and evidence
- Disposition of the incident, including arrests and charges filed
Do Police Reports Show Up on Background Checks?
Police reports can show up on background checks under certain circumstances. Here are some scenarios:
• Arrest and Conviction: If an individual is arrested and charged with a crime, and that crime is listed on their criminal record, a police report related to that incident may be included in the background check.
• Warrant: If an individual has an active warrant for their arrest, the police report related to that warrant may be included in the background check.
• Suspicious Behavior: If an individual has a history of suspicious behavior or has been involved in incidents that did not result in an arrest or conviction, police reports related to those incidents may be included in the background check.
Types of Background Checks:
There are different types of background checks, each with its own requirements and guidelines. Here are some common types of background checks and how police reports may or may not show up on them:
| Type of Background Check | Police Reports Included |
|---|---|
| Employment Background Check | Possibly (dependent on the circumstances and employer’s requirements) |
| Tenant Background Check | Unlikely (unless the tenant has a criminal record or warrant) |
| Commercial Background Check | Dependent on the Purpose (e.g., a business checking the criminal record of a potential employee) |
| Pre-employment Background Check | Dependent on the Employer’s Requirements (some employers may request police reports, while others may not) |
Key Takeaways:
• Not all police reports show up on background checks, and it depends on the circumstances and type of background check being conducted.
• Police reports can show up on background checks if an individual has been arrested, charged, or has an active warrant.
• Even if an individual has no criminal record or warrant, police reports related to suspicious behavior or incidents may be included in the background check.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, police reports can show up on background checks under certain circumstances, but it is not a guarantee. Employers, landlords, and other parties conducting background checks should carefully consider the requirements and guidelines of the background check to determine what information is included.
