How Does a Fingerprint Background Check Work?
In order to conduct a fingerprint-based background check, the applicant’s prints are compared to those in a database. Fingerprints were once obtained by pressing inked fingertips against a fingerprint card. It was then necessary to send that card to a specialist who would meticulously compare it to fingerprints in the database. It may take weeks to complete the process. Fortunately, most fingerprints can now be digitally recorded by a scanner. This is also far quicker and more precise than the previous method. We’ll cover the fundamentals of what a fingerprint background check is, how the FBI obtains it, and what details it reveals about you in this blog.
What Is a Fingerprint Background Check?
A fingerprint background check is used to access a person’s data system information. Regardless of the purpose of the check, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) gathers and maintains the data in the Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System, which contains around 70 million criminal histories. Before the development of technology, fingerprint background checks were conducted by a traditional way, which involved stamping a finger in ink onto paper and uploading it to a database. However, everything is now done on a scanner that electronically registers the fingerprint, making it considerably more efficient.
What does a fingerprint background check reveal?
Your “rap sheet,” which includes any dates of criminal arrests, charges, and case outcomes, will be stored in the fingerprint database. Basic details about your life, including your date of birth, name, address, and job, can also be determined from your fingerprints.
Frequently, these fingerprint records can also be connected to a straightforward police report. This can include details about auto accidents, your insurance policy, or comments you made.
What is the response time for results?
It could take up to a month to receive the results by mail after you request the check. The option of processing your application electronically is also available. You may also ask the FBI to authenticate these fingerprint records or issue you a certificate of apostille. You will be given a written document attesting to the fact that nothing was discovered.
The rules governing fingerprint background checks vary from state to state. A fingerprint background check is frequently required of employees/ teaching staff who interact with students in the educational system. Some states want the applicant to possess an identifying number provided by the state, proving its legal authority to request such sensitive information.
How are the fingerprints stored?
The federal government can obtain fingerprints from a variety of sources, including:
- Process from citizenship
- Employment
- Military service
- Arrests
Your fingerprint background check will include any information obtained through written forms or spoken responses. The Federal Bureau of Investigation maintains the most thorough records related to these fingerprints (FBI). Your fingerprints are used by the government to track information about you, much like your social security number is.
For purposes of adoption, international travel, employment, licencing, or housing, an organisation may request a fingerprint background check from a state identity agency, an FBI channeler, or the FBI directly. It must be legally permitted to view these private documents.
Misconceptions About Fingerprint Background Checks
Background checks and fingerprinting were once thought to be the most effective ways to know about someone. But it isn’t always the case. When a person has an FBI fingerprint background check performed, their prints are simply compared to their criminal history on file. As long as the offence was reported with the person’s fingerprints, the person or organisation seeking the background check will be informed if the subject has a criminal history. However, this information might not contain all of the specifics or outcomes of the incident. Additionally, if fingerprints were not captured at the scene of the incident, some crimes may not even appear on a background check using fingerprints. The bottom line is that there are a tonne of factors that could influence how thorough a fingerprint background check is, so it’s not always the best approach to learn something about someone.
