| With all of the different background checks that | | | | FBI background investigations on a regular basis, |
| can be performed on individuals, it's no surprise | | | | there are still certain laws and procedures that |
| that most people don't know the difference | | | | must be adhered to. For example, certain |
| between a Criminal Background Check and an FBI | | | | authorities within the company are the only people |
| Background Investigation. The most obvious | | | | who are allowed to request one, and as a result, |
| difference, obviously, is that the FBI performs a | | | | an individual such as a janitor could not request |
| complete investigation on the selected individual, | | | | one for anyone else within the company. |
| whereas a criminal background check is simply a | | | | As an individual, you can also make a request for |
| summary of public records that can be obtained | | | | a personal review of your own report. By doing |
| by anybody. The FBI has a powerful database at | | | | this, you will be able to notice any discrepancies in |
| their disposal that contains information from | | | | the report or be able to see if you will be |
| every jurisdiction in America along with every | | | | disqualified for a job prior to even asking for an |
| crime that has been committed by an individual. In | | | | interview. However, there are even certain |
| fact, the only crimes that won't be found in their | | | | procedures that you must follow in order to |
| database are the minor misdemeanors such as a | | | | obtain a report on yourself. |
| traffic or speeding ticket. | | | | The first step is to go to your local law |
| Due to the comprehensive information that is in | | | | enforcement agency to be fingerprinted. Next |
| the FBI report, there are many laws governing | | | | you will have to write a letter to the FBI |
| the use of it, and only selected authorities in | | | | explaining the reason(s) that you would like to |
| special situations can obtain a report on individuals. | | | | have a copy of your report. Also of note is the |
| The FBI doesn't govern these laws; they are | | | | fact that there is a small fee associated with this |
| governed by the individual states, who determine | | | | service, so be sure to plan accordingly for it. |
| who can receive access to people’s files. Each | | | | Lastly, do not be alarmed or nervous if your |
| state has different regulations when it comes to | | | | potential employer asks you to obtain your own |
| FBI background investigations, so check with your | | | | FBI Background Investigation and give it to them. |
| state on the regulations of obtaining an individual | | | | This is a perfectly legal occurrence, and the law is |
| report. | | | | set in place so that you will know who is |
| If your state is one that allows employers to pull | | | | requesting a report and for what reason. |