Security is an important issue these days. Especially in the wake of September 11, many employers and individuals are tightening their grip on their employess and people they have to deal with. From limo drivers, to boarder patrol officers, to chefs, many companies are calling on the FBI and the Immigration and Naturalization Services to check on everything from legal status to job resumes.

One of the steps companies do is ask employees and potential employees for FBI Background checks, otherwise known as FBI Identification Record, Criminal History Record or in layman’s terms, a Rap Sheet. A Rap Sheet lists information culled from fingerprint records kept by the FBI in relation to all arrests, naturalization, military service or federal employment. If the prints happen to be associated with an arrest, the criminal record includes such information such as the date of arrest, the charges filed against the individual and the name of the agency that gave the fingerprints to the Federal Bureau Investigation (such as a local police department). The information in this Identification Record includes reports on the disposition of the arrest, fingerprints and other related reports of the filing agencies.

It is important to note however that not everyone can get an free background check The United States Department of Justice put up regulations regarding who can access his own FBI Identification Record. It’s the Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division who processes requests for obtaining an FBI Background Check.

There are many reasons why an individual would wish to request for a copy of his criminal record. It may be to submit his criminal record to his employer, to challenge his record or simply to review it. Couples who wish to adopt a foreign child may also request for a copy. Still people who want to live or work abroad may wish for a copy of their criminal record as proof their good conduct. If you do not have a criminal record of any sort, you may also ask for a record that shows proof that no such [spin|record|criminal record[/spin]exists. Keep in mind that only you may be able to ask for your own criminal record. You may not see other individuals’ personal records. Also, keep in mind that an FBI background checks does not come for free. It doesn’t cost much, though, only at $18 payable through a certified check addressed to the Treasury of the United States, money order or credit card.

This is why you need to get your criminal background check now!