Criminal record checks are safety indicators for the whole United States. If there were no record checks, then it would be impossible to distinguish between convicted felons and law abiding citizens. Employers would not know if they were hiring convicts, and the police would not know if someone they had arrested was a felon or parole-breaker. Parents would not be able to look up convicted felons living in their neighborhoods. For these reasons, as well as others, it is good for the safety of the U.S. that the criminal record check exists.

When an arrest is made, several copies of the suspect's fingerprints are taken and sent to various law-enforcement facilities. When a suspect becomes a confirmed convict, his or her records are sent to the local, state and national convict justice departments.

The Criminal Justice Information Services Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation is in charge of getting all convict information out to the different law enforcement and government agencies. The FBI criminal records are linked with the state and county criminal records. These records are used when conducting such records background check. There is even a Criminal Record Bureau in the U.K.

There are many reasons to get a criminal record check. When getting a job, many employers require a background check, proving that you are not a felon. Adoption agencies require record checks on potential adopters to prove they can properly care for a child.

There are many other kinds of record checks as well, some of which include: sex offender registry, reference checks, credit checks and credential verification. Some activities in other countries require proof of "lack of a criminal record." If you need such a record search, then the process is rather simple.

Just ask the local police department to run one for you, and they will then give you a certificate saying that you have a clean criminal record. It is also possible to obtain the convict records of close relatives and for the deceased.

There are many different uses for the criminal record check. It is an invaluable tool for the business and legal world. The knowledge that anyone can be searched for a convict record is a calming thought.

That knowledge also makes people safer, knowing that with so many records, it is nearly impossible for criminals to get away with their crimes. The FBI and local police departments keep close watch on the convict records process. When necessary, it is easy to obtain a record check.