Get the 411: Criminal BGC @ Police HQ

Understanding Criminal Background Checks

Conducting a criminal background check (BGC) is an essential process for employers, organizations, or individuals needing to verify someone's criminal history for safety and legal compliance. The local police headquarters, also known as the Police HQ, serves as the starting point for obtaining this vital information. This guide aims to educate you about the key steps to follow when initiating a criminal BGC at your local police headquarters.

Step 1: Determine the Type of Background Check Needed

Before heading to the police headquarters, understand the scope of the background check required. There are different levels of background checks, from basic to advanced, each providing various details about an individual's criminal history.

Basic Check: May only cover local or county-level criminal records.
Statewide Check: Expands upon the basic check and includes criminal history within an entire state.
National Check: Broadest scope, accessing multiple databases, including the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC).

Step 2: Obtain Consent

Before performing a criminal BGC, it's imperative to have the subject's consent due to privacy laws. This generally means providing a written consent form, signed by the person whose background is being checked, in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and other relevant legislation.

Step 3: Collect Necessary Personal Information

Gathering accurate details from the individual is critical for an effective background check. This typically includes:

Full name, including any aliases or maiden names
Date of birth
Social Security Number (if applicable)
Current and previous addresses

Step 4: Visit Police HQ or Use Online Services

Now, it’s time to approach your local Police HQ. Some departments may allow online submissions, while others require an in-person visit. Here’s what to anticipate:

In-person Visits:

Location: Find the nearest police headquarters to your location.
Documentation: Bring all necessary documentation, including personal information of the individual and the signed consent form.
Fees: Be prepared to pay a fee, which varies by jurisdiction.

Online Services:

Many police HQs now offer online portals for BGC requests. Here's a general idea of the online process:

Navigate to the official police department website.
Locate their background check services section.
Fill out the required forms with accurate information.
Pay any applicable fees electronically.

Step 5: Review and Interpret the Results

Upon receipt, carefully review the background check report for:

Criminal convictions (felonies, misdemeanors)
Warrants or ongoing legal proceedings
Incarceration records
Dismissed charges or those that did not result in a conviction (depending on jurisdiction)

Note: The interpretation of these results should be made within the context of the law and the relevance to the reason for the background check.

Conclusion

Obtaining a criminal background check at your local police headquarters is a serious responsibility with legal implications. It's designed to protect various stakeholders within the community and the workplace. This guide provides an overview to equip you with the knowledge to undertake this task responsibly. Remember to always respect privacy rights and ensure fairness and non-discrimination when interpreting and acting on the results of a criminal BGC.

FAQs

Can anyone request a criminal background check? Typically, a criminal background check requires the consent of the individual being checked or a legal mandate.

How long does it take to receive results? The time frame can vary from a few days to several weeks, depending on the police department and the depth of the background check.

Are all criminal records available to the public? Not necessarily. Some records may be sealed or expunged, and juvenile records are often inaccessible.

Remember, staying informed and compliant is key to conducting criminal background checks responsibly and ethically.