Oops! Police Report on Your BG Check?
Discovering a police report on your background check can be a disconcerting experience, especially if it comes as a surprise. Background checks are a common component of the hiring process, housing applications, and other situations where trust and security are paramount. If a police report appears on your background check, it's important to understand the potential implications and the steps you can take to address it.
Understanding the Background Check
First, it's crucial to understand what a background check entails. Background checks can include a variety of information, such as:
- Criminal records
- Credit history
- Education verification
- Employment history
- Driving records
- And more...
When you consent to a background check, the individual or organization requesting it will use a specialized service to access various databases that contain your personal and public records, including those held by police departments.
What Does a Police Report Indicate?
A police report on a background check can indicate several things:
- Arrests: The report might show past arrests, regardless of whether they resulted in convictions.
- Incidents: It could also include incidents where you were questioned by the police but not necessarily charged with a crime.
- Convictions: Any convictions you may have will typically appear.
- Warrants: Open warrants for your arrest can also show up on background checks.
The Implications of a Police Report
A police report on your background check can have various implications depending on the context.
- Employment: Some employers might view a police report as a red flag, particularly if the job requires a clean record.
- Housing: Landlords may be hesitant to rent to individuals with certain types of police reports on their background checks.
- Licensing: Certain professional licenses may be harder to obtain or renew if there are relevant police reports.
What Can You Do?
If you find a police report on your background check, there are steps you can take to address the situation:
1. Obtain a Copy of Your Record
Before anything else, request a copy of your background check to see exactly what it contains. You're entitled to a copy under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) if any adverse action has been taken against you, such as being denied a job or housing.
2. Verify Accuracy
Check the accuracy of the police report and ensure that it pertains to you. Sometimes, errors occur, such as mixed-up personal information or identity theft.
3. Understanding Your Rights
Understand your rights under the FCRA, which requires background check companies to ensure the accuracy of the information they provide and grants you the right to dispute incorrect or incomplete data.
4. Dispute Inaccuracies
If you find inaccuracies, dispute them with the background check company in writing, providing any evidence that supports your case.
5. Prepare an Explanation
If the police report is accurate, prepare a clear and concise explanation that you can offer to potential employers or landlords, explaining the circumstances and how you've moved forward or changed since then.
6. Seek legal advice.
Consider consulting a lawyer who specializes in criminal law or employment law. They can provide guidance on expungement, sealing records, or other legal remedies that might be available to you.
7. Consider Expungement or Sealing
If your record is eligible, you may be able to have it expunged or sealed, which can prevent it from appearing on future background checks.
8. Continuously Monitor Your Background
Regularly check your background information to ensure there's no recurrence of inaccurate reports.
Conclusion
A police report on your background check isn't necessarily the end of the road. By taking proactive steps to understand and address the report, you can minimize its impact on your employment, housing, and other aspects of your life. Remember to stay informed, assert your rights, and seek professional assistance if needed.