What does a police background check consist of?

What Does a Police Background Check Consist Of?

A police background check, also known as a criminal history record check, is a thorough investigation of an individual’s criminal history and other relevant information. The purpose of a background check is to verify an individual’s identity, confirm their employment history, and identify any criminal convictions or other legal issues that may impact their ability to work in a particular field or hold a specific job.

Types of Police Background Checks

There are several types of police background checks, including:

• Local Check: A local check involves reviewing an individual’s criminal history within a specific jurisdiction, such as a city or county.
• State Check: A state check involves reviewing an individual’s criminal history within a specific state.
• National Check: A national check involves reviewing an individual’s criminal history across multiple states and jurisdictions.
• Federal Check: A federal check involves reviewing an individual’s criminal history with federal agencies, such as the FBI.

What is Included in a Police Background Check?

A police background check typically includes the following information:

• Criminal Convictions: A list of all criminal convictions, including felonies, misdemeanors, and infractions.
• Arrests: A list of all arrests, including those that did not result in convictions.
• Warrants: A list of all outstanding warrants, including those for arrest, bench warrants, and warrants for failure to appear.
• Traffic Violations: A list of all traffic violations, including speeding tickets and other moving violations.
• Employment History: A list of all previous employers, including dates of employment and job titles.
• Education: A list of all educational institutions attended, including dates of attendance and degrees earned.
• Personal Information: A list of personal information, including name, date of birth, and social security number.
• Driver’s License Information: A list of all driver’s license information, including license number, expiration date, and any suspensions or revocations.

How Long Does a Police Background Check Take?

The length of time it takes to complete a police background check can vary depending on the jurisdiction and the type of check being performed. On average, a local check can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, while a state or national check can take several weeks to several months.

What Can Disqualify an Individual from a Job or Opportunity?

A police background check can disqualify an individual from a job or opportunity if they have a criminal conviction or other legal issue that is relevant to the position or opportunity. This can include:

• Felony Convictions: A felony conviction can disqualify an individual from many jobs, including those in law enforcement, education, and healthcare.
• Misdemeanor Convictions: A misdemeanor conviction can disqualify an individual from certain jobs, including those in retail and food service.
• Warrants: An outstanding warrant can disqualify an individual from many jobs and opportunities.
• Traffic Violations: A history of traffic violations can disqualify an individual from certain jobs, including those that require a commercial driver’s license.

How Can an Individual Prepare for a Police Background Check?

There are several steps an individual can take to prepare for a police background check:

• Be Honest: Be honest and truthful when completing the background check application.
• Provide Accurate Information: Provide accurate and complete information, including any criminal convictions or legal issues.
• Be Prepared to Explain: Be prepared to explain any criminal convictions or legal issues that may appear on the background check.
• Check Your Credit Report: Check your credit report to ensure it is accurate and up-to-date.
• Be Prepared for Follow-Up Questions: Be prepared to answer follow-up questions from the background check investigator.

Conclusion

A police background check is a thorough investigation of an individual’s criminal history and other relevant information. The purpose of a background check is to verify an individual’s identity, confirm their employment history, and identify any criminal convictions or other legal issues that may impact their ability to work in a particular field or hold a specific job. By understanding what is included in a police background check and how to prepare for one, individuals can ensure a smooth and successful background check process.

Table: Types of Police Background Checks

Table: What is Included in a Police Background Check?

Table: How Long Does a Police Background Check Take?

Note: The time it takes to complete a police background check can vary depending on the jurisdiction and the type of check being performed.