How to Conduct a Criminal History Background Check

Interest in criminal background checks and accessing information contained in the criminal history records of individuals from the various reliable sources is expressed by public, private as well as non–profit organizations that require volunteers to work with children, elderly and disabled persons.

The main purpose of these criminal background checks is driven by a need to protect the customers, other employees, business assets and vulnerable individuals from potential criminals. Thus background checks come handy in screening a person’s viability for licensing, employment and placement in any position of trust. 

Procedure for Conducting a Criminal Background Check

A provision in United States' laws allows the release of the information contained in the criminal history records to the qualifying entities. Apart from this, the laws also allow individuals to access and view their own criminal history records to modify, make corrections to or challenge the contents of their own criminal records. However, these requests for a change or any corrections in their (own) criminal records need to be authorized and validated by the arresting agency for it to be considered by the Bureau of Criminal Identification of that state.

Access to the criminal history records of other individuals is also allowed but this access is restricted and limited. Additionally, each state has its own laws and regulations regarding the procedure to access the criminal history records and conducting criminal background checks. For information that is specific to a particular state please refer to that state. For instance, to learn about how to access criminal history records or to conduct a criminal background check in the state of Utah, please contact:

UTAH BUREAU OF CRIMINAL IDENTIFICATION
3888 W 5400 S – BOX 148280 –
SALT LAKE CITY UT 84114-8280
Phone: (801) 965-4445 (Name/DOB)

Or

Phone :( 801) 965-4569 (Fingerprints)
Website: http://www.publicsafety.utah.gov/bci/documents/fiduciary_security.pdf

Types of Criminal Background Checks

There are three ways in which an individual can request a criminal background check or criminal history record. These are:

* Name Search
* Fingerprint Verification Search
* Fingerprint search through the Bureau of Criminal Identification or FBI check

Name Search Request

This type of a search requires an individual to first download a form from the Bureau of Criminal Identification. To conduct a name search an individual needs to provide information such as the full name of the subject whose search is being conducted, any maiden names or aliases, date of birth, race, sex, age, place of birth, and SSN. Fill in these essential details and then send a written request enclosed in a self-addressed and stamped envelope with a processing fee of $10 payable to the Bureau of Criminal Identification. The mode of payment acceptable by the Bureau of Criminal Identification is a money order or a certified check. Cash payment and payment through a credit card is not acceptable. It takes 7 to 10 days to process each request.

This search request will check the criminal history files of that state, statewide warrant and protective orders and the federal list of wanted and warrant files. If the search results in a successful name search on an individual’s (subject) criminal history record or warrant, then you will receive a notice that the subject may be the subject of your inquiry along with his criminal history record and warrants. However, if the name search comes back negative then the Bureau of Criminal Identification will only notify you that there wasn’t any record found for that subject. It will not disclose any further details of the individual.

Fingerprint Verification Search Request

This search requires two fingerprint identification cards along with the basic details of the subject whose background check is being requested. The information on the basic details of the subject is similar to the name search process. The fingerprint identification cards must be submitted by a qualifying entity such as the state law enforcement agency or the state police.

This search will check the files and contents of the criminal history records, statewide warrants and protective orders, along with the federal list of wanted and warrant files. A fingerprint verification search request requires a fee of $15 and the time required to complete the search is 3 to 4 weeks.

Fingerprint Search Through the Bureau of Criminal Identification or FBI Check

To conduct a fingerprint search through the Bureau of Criminal Identification or FBI check, you have to provide all descriptive details about the individual whose background check is being requested. These include details such as name, date of birth, place of birth, race, age, sex, and SSN. The search requires a fee of $34.25 and a processing time of 3 to 4 weeks. For more information please visit http://www.justice.gov/olp/ag_bgchecks_report.pdf.