The FBI’s Criminal Justice Information Services Division operates an expansive repository of criminal justice information in the United States. This national database is known as the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and is queried millions of times each day by law enforcement agencies across the country. One essential function of the NCIC is the facilitation of criminal background checks, also known as the FBI Identification Record or the FBI criminal background check.
An FBI criminal background check is far more in-depth than a standard police check. A police check generally only delves into an individual’s criminal history within a specific jurisdiction or state, whereas an FBI check uncovers national data. This information encompasses all states and includes federal crimes that wouldn’t typically appear on a localized police check.
What Does the FBI Background Check Include?
As a comprehensive investigative tool, the FBI criminal background check can reveal much about an individual’s past criminal activity. It includes data on arrests, convictions, and pending cases on a state, federal, and even international level depending on the individual’s history. The data covers both misdemeanor and felony charges, warrants, sex offenses, and incarceration records.
The FBI also cross-references information provided by other agencies such as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). This robust cross-referencing system ensures that the data retrieved by an FBI check is thorough and all-encompassing.
Who Uses FBI Criminal Background Checks and Why?
These broad-scope checks are utilized by a variety of public and private entities for different purposes. Employers, for instance, may request an FBI check as part of pre-employment screening, particularly for positions of high responsibility or trust. Similarly, landlords might carry out these checks on potential tenants to ensure their property’s safety and integrity.
In the public sector, FBI criminal background checks are routinely performed for security clearance, licensing, adoption, and immigration purposes. For example, applicants for U.S. citizenship are subject to an FBI criminal background check as part of the process.
How to Request an FBI Criminal Background Check?
Individuals can request their own FBI background check directly from the FBI or through an FBI-approved Channeler. The process involves submitting an identity history summary request, including fingerprints and relevant information. A processing fee is also required. According to the FBI, it takes approximately three to five business days upon receipt of the request to process it, depending on the volume of requests received.
Implications and Privacy Concerns
While the FBI criminal background check serves many essential functions for national security and public safety, it also presents privacy concerns. However, the FBI maintains strict guidelines for access to and dissemination of information to uphold an individual’s right to privacy. Moreover, rules stipulated under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) also offer certain protections for individuals undergoing background checks for employment.
In conclusion, the FBI criminal background check is a potent tool for ensuring public safety, facilitating criminal investigations, and fulfilling various regulatory requirements. While it raises certain privacy concerns, its selective use and strict enforcement of dissemination protocols safeguard individual rights.