Do Police Reports Pop Up on Checks?

When applying for a new job, renting an apartment, or engaging in various civic activities, you may need to undergo a background check. One question that often arises is whether police reports appear on these checks. Understanding the nuances of what shows up on a background check is crucial, as it can have a significant impact on your opportunities and reputation.

What Are Background Checks?

Background checks are reviews of a person's commercial, criminal, employment, and financial records. Employers, property managers, and lending institutions often use these checks to assess a candidate's history and reliability. The extent of a background check can vary from a simple identity verification to a detailed account of an individual's history.

Do Police Reports Show Up on Background Checks?

The answer is not a straightforward "yes" or "no." There are different types of police reports and various kinds of background checks. Here’s what you should know:

Types of Police Reports

Arrest Reports: These reports include details of arrests made by law enforcement. They typically describe the circumstances of the arrest, the charges, and sometimes personal details about the individual arrested.
Incident Reports: When police are called to respond to a particular event or situation, an incident report is usually filed. This can include details of the incident, the parties involved, and any actions taken by the police.
Investigation Reports: These can be more detailed, containing information about criminal investigations, even if they do not result in an arrest.

Variation in Background Checks

Background checks can be extensive or limited, depending on who is conducting them and for what purpose. Here's a breakdown:

Criminal Background Checks: These checks focus on an individual's criminal history. Arrests, convictions, warrants, and incarcerations typically show up, especially if they result in convictions.
Employment Background Checks: Employers might look at a broad range of information, depending on the job. They may look at criminal records, but usually, only convictions are relevant.
Credit Checks: These reviews focus more on a person's financial history and are unlikely to show criminal activity unless it directly affects credit.
FBI Checks: An FBI background check will include a summary of your criminal history, including arrests, even if they did not lead to convictions.

Factors Affecting Police Reports on Checks

Several factors determine whether a police report will show up:

Jurisdiction: The practices and regulations for reporting can vary significantly from one jurisdiction to another.
Type of Background Check: As mentioned above, some checks are more detailed than others.
Reporting Practices: Some police departments may have different policies for what they report to background check databases.
Age of the Report: In some cases, older reports may not be accessible, especially if the records have been expunged or sealed.
Expungements and Sealings: Expunged or sealed records are not supposed to appear on most background checks, as they have been legally hidden or removed from public view.

Conclusion

While police reports can appear on background checks, whether they surface depends on various factors, including the type and depth of the check, the jurisdiction, and the specific reporting practices of the police department. If you are concerned about the impact of police reports on your record, you can request a copy of your background check or seek legal counsel to determine if an expungement or sealing of the records is possible.

Ultimately, it's beneficial to be aware of what a background check might reveal and to be prepared to address any issues proactively if necessary. Remember that laws and regulations regarding background checks can vary, so staying informed about your rights and the laws in your area is key.