What do Criminal Background Checks Show?
Criminal background checks are a common practice in many industries, including employment, education, and tenant screening. These checks provide a snapshot of an individual’s criminal history, helping to identify potential red flags and inform important decisions. But what exactly do criminal background checks show?
What Information is Typically Included
A criminal background check typically includes information on an individual’s criminal history, which can include:
• Arrests and Charges: A list of all arrests and charges made against the individual, including the date, location, and charges filed.
• Convictions: A list of all convictions, including the date, location, and type of offense.
• Sentencing and Release Dates: Information on the sentence imposed and the release date for each conviction.
• Parole and Probation Status: Information on whether the individual is currently on parole or probation.
• Warrants and Outstanding Arrests: A list of any outstanding warrants or arrests.
• Criminal Traffic Offenses: Information on any criminal traffic offenses, such as DUIs or reckless driving.
What the Checks Don’t Show
It’s important to note that criminal background checks do not typically include:
• Juvenile Records: Juvenile records are sealed and are not typically included in a criminal background check.
• Misdemeanors: Misdemeanors that are more than seven years old are usually not included in a criminal background check.
• Sealed or Expunged Records: Records that have been sealed or expunged are not included in a criminal background check.
• Civil Infractions: Civil infractions, such as parking tickets, are not typically included in a criminal background check.
Types of Criminal Background Checks
There are several types of criminal background checks, including:
• Statewide Check: A check of the individual’s criminal history across the entire state.
• County Check: A check of the individual’s criminal history within a specific county.
• National Check: A check of the individual’s criminal history across the entire country.
• FBI Check: A check of the individual’s criminal history through the FBI’s National Crime Information Center (NCIC).
FBI’s NCIC Database
The FBI’s NCIC database is the largest and most comprehensive database of criminal records in the country. The database contains information on:
• Arrests and Convictions: Information on arrests and convictions from local, state, and federal agencies.
• Wanted Persons: Information on wanted persons, including fugitives and missing persons.
• Missing Persons: Information on missing persons.
Using Criminal Background Checks in Hiring
Criminal background checks are commonly used in hiring to:
• Assess Risk: Assess the risk of hiring an individual with a criminal history.
• Screen Out Unqualified Candidates: Screen out candidates who have a criminal history that is relevant to the job.
• Comply with Regulatory Requirements: Comply with regulatory requirements that require background checks for certain jobs.
Using Criminal Background Checks in Education
Criminal background checks are commonly used in education to:
• Assess Student Safety: Assess the risk to student safety posed by a potential employee or volunteer with a criminal history.
• Screen Out Unqualified Candidates: Screen out candidates who have a criminal history that is relevant to their role in the educational institution.
Using Criminal Background Checks in Tenant Screening
Criminal background checks are commonly used in tenant screening to:
• Assess Risk: Assess the risk of renting to a tenant with a criminal history.
• Screen Out Unqualified Tenants: Screen out tenants who have a criminal history that is relevant to their ability to pay rent or maintain a peaceful living environment.
Conclusion
Criminal background checks are an important tool in many industries, providing valuable information on an individual’s criminal history. While the checks do not typically include juvenile records, misdemeanors, sealed or expunged records, or civil infractions, they do provide a comprehensive view of an individual’s criminal history. By understanding what criminal background checks show and don’t show, employers, educators, and property owners can make informed decisions about hiring, admitting students, and renting properties.
