How to run a criminal background check?

How to Run a Criminal Background Check?

Running a criminal background check is a common practice in various industries, including employment, education, and law enforcement. This process involves searching for and gathering information about an individual’s criminal history, which can be used to assess their suitability for a particular position, program, or activity. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to run a criminal background check.

Why Run a Criminal Background Check?

Before we dive into the process of running a criminal background check, it’s essential to understand why it’s crucial to do so. Running a criminal background check can help:

• Identify individuals with a history of violent or criminal behavior
• Ensure public safety and protection
• Comply with laws and regulations
• Make informed hiring decisions
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• Verify the credibility and trustworthiness of individuals

Types of Criminal Background Checks

There are several types of criminal background checks, including:

• National Criminal Background Checks: These checks search the FBI’s National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database, which contains criminal history records from all 50 states.
• State-Specific Criminal Background Checks: These checks search the criminal history records of a specific state or states.
• Local Criminal Background Checks: These checks search the criminal history records of a specific city, county, or municipality.
• Federal Criminal Background Checks: These checks search federal criminal records, including those maintained by the FBI, DEA, and other federal agencies.

How to Run a Criminal Background Check

Running a criminal background check involves several steps, which are outlined below:

Step 1: Gather Information

• Name: The subject’s full name, including any aliases or nicknames.
• Date of Birth: The subject’s date of birth.
• Social Security Number (SSN): The subject’s SSN.
• Address: The subject’s current and past addresses.

Step 2: Choose a Background Check Provider

There are several background check providers, including:

• Private companies: Companies like LexisNexis, Equifax, and ChoicePoint offer criminal background checks.
• State and local law enforcement agencies: Many state and local law enforcement agencies offer criminal background checks.
• Federal agencies: Federal agencies like the FBI and US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) offer criminal background checks.

Step 3: Complete the Background Check Form

• Background Check Request Form: Complete the required form, which typically includes:

  • Subject’s information (name, date of birth, SSN, and address).
  • Purpose of the background check.
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  • Authorization for the check.

Step 4: Submit the Background Check Request

• Online submission: Many providers offer online submission options.
• Mail or email submission: Some providers may require you to mail or email the completed form.
• In-person submission: Some providers may require you to visit their office in person.

Step 5: Receive the Background Check Results

• Electronic delivery: Many providers offer electronic delivery of results.
• Mail delivery: Some providers may mail the results.
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• In-person pickup: Some providers may allow you to pick up the results in person.

Step 6: Review and Interpret the Results

• Understanding the results: Review the results carefully, paying attention to:

  • Criminal charges and convictions.
  • Arrests and warrants.
  • Felony and misdemeanor convictions.
  • Sex offender registration.

Step 7: Take Action

• Based on the results: Take action based on the results, which may include:

  • Making hiring decisions.
  • Determining eligibility for a program or activity.
  • Reporting the results to a third party.

Costs and Fees

The costs and fees associated with running a criminal background check vary depending on the provider and the type of check. Here are some approximate costs:

Conclusion

Running a criminal background check is a straightforward process that involves gathering information, choosing a provider, completing a form, submitting the request, receiving the results, reviewing and interpreting the results, and taking action. By following these steps, you can obtain accurate and reliable information about an individual’s criminal history. Remember to comply with laws and regulations, as well as any provider’s terms and conditions, to ensure a successful and hassle-free background check.