Discover the expert in you.
Discover the expert in you.
The U.S. Constitution established the American form of government by outlining the executive, legislative and judicial branches in addition to specifying the procedures for election, succession and amendments. The first 10 amendments to the Constitution - the Bill of Rights - exist to protect U.S. citizens from government's misuse of its power. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, as well as other state and local law enforcement agencies, are bound by these amendments to respect the rights and liberties of U.S. citizens when conducting criminal investigations.
As indicated on their website, the national security mission of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) "is to lead and coordinate intelligence efforts that drive actions to protect the United States." As such, it identifies, analyzes and collects information that will aid in its mission. A federal background check is done by the FBI using information it keeps on file in conjunction with fingerprint submissions.
A variety of agencies use fingerprints for background checks, from immigration to employers checking potential employees. You might want to know for your own information if any criminal charges are on your record. You can send your fingerprints to the FBI along with a background check request documentation and payment. The FBI will return the results within approximately 12 weeks. State and local agencies perform fingerprint background checks as well. Determining your status will depend on whether the agency is able to provide you with updates; some agencies can, others cannot or will not.
A Federal Bureau of Investigation Identification Record, also known as criminal history record or “rap sheet,” is a list of information that has been taken from fingerprints database in connection with arrests and convictions. According to FBI, the “process of responding to an Identification Record request is generally known as criminal background check.” If the person’s fingerprints turn out to be related to an arrest, the Identification Record will include name of the agency which submitted the fingerprints to the FBI, arrest charge and date, as well as disposition of the arrest.
Many employers are now requiring prospective employees, as well as current employees, to undergo FBI background checks. This is done to ensure that someone who has been convicted of certain crimes, such as child molestation or elderly abuse, is not hired to be a school teacher or a caretaker for the elderly. Some jobs require screening because of state or federal law.
An FBI background check, also known as a Criminal History Record, is a document containing a history of all arrests/crimes, if any, committed by a person. The FBI is able to gather this information from various fingerprint records collected by agencies across the United States. Many institutions, both in the United States and overseas, often require an FBI background check as part of their application process for various services. It is for this reason that individuals are allowed to directly request a copy of their FBI background check from the FBI.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is the U.S. law enforcement agency responsible for maintaining databases of information about people who have committed crimes in the U.S. The FBI provides background searches to various individuals and agencies on request.
The FBI provides criminal records search services through its Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division. This is the most effective means of verifying your criminal record (or lack thereof). It contains all the legal information associated with your fingerprints that has been recorded by law enforcement and government agencies. Unfortunately, these background checks cannot be performed instantly. It usually takes around a month for the FBI to process criminal history records.
Being a Special Agent for the Federal Bureau of Investigation is arguably the most prestigious position a law enforcement officer can hold. Positions are highly sought, and the competition is fierce. Further, the requirements to become a Special Agent are numerous.
For one reason or another, you may need to do a background check. In some instances, an FBI background check is needed. Here's what your FBI background check will reflect.
Since its inception as a crime fighting and investigative unit, the Federal Bureau of Investigation has involved into the largest domestic intelligence gathering organization in the United States. It has the power to track cars and people and monitor cell phone calls without a warrant. Because of its prestige--and its broad powers--FBI background checks are the gold standard in resume verification.
