How To Run A Reliable Criminal Record Check Fast Without The Long Wait

Background checks are an important part of today’s world and can be required for a range of purposes, from employment and licensing through to adoptions and school attendance. If you’re hiring an employee or if you work in a certain sector, it can be important to run a criminal record check. For example, most states require a criminal background check for anyone working with children, elderly or the disabled. Often the check is just to confirm there is actually no criminal record at all. There are different ways to get a criminal record check, some easier than others.

Third party background checking companies

These companies will use public records created by government agencies and commercial databases in order to run a background check. You can find them easily by searching online. This is the most popular choice for employers.

FBI Checks

The FBI offers the Identity History Summary Check. Also known as a criminal history record, this is a list of information obtained from the FBI based around fingerprint submissions and any associated arrests. Only the person concerned can make the request. Processing times vary but can be long – on a recent check, the wait time was 13-15 weeks. There are a number of authorized companies the FBI will work with and these can offer an expedited service.

Local police

Your local police station can run a records search and give you a document proving that no criminal record exists.

What does a background check cover?

A background check can cover many things, not just criminal records but also credit history, court records, drugs tests and character references, among others. Note that bankruptcies more than 10 years ago can’t be included nor civil suits, civil judgements or records of arrest after seven years from date of entry.