Background Checks and Investigations

Background Checks and InvestigationsBackground Checks and InvestigationsNo matter what career you choose to pursue in criminology, theres no escaping the criminal justicehintergrund check. The sensitive nature of the jobs, combined with the high level of trust and authority that the public gives to criminology professionals, requires that candidates be of the highest moral character. Of course the system isnt perfect, but by and large background checks ensure that potential employees do not have any events in their pasts that should keep them from working in the field. For many, the background check can be a nerve-wracking process, if only because of the uncertainty of what to expect. By learning more about the process, you can calm your nerves and make a better determination of where you might stand in the hiring process. Criminal History Checks forBackgroundInvestigations The first step in any background investigation is a criminal history check. Most states have laws against h iring criminal justice professionals who have been arrested or convicted of felonies and some misdemeanor crimes. A criminal history check reveals everything about a persons criminal past. It includes not only convictions and sentencing, but all prior arrests. Many states also have laws regarding the handling of expunged records. Often, those applying for criminal justice jobs are required to provide all records, even those that have been sealed or expunged. Some agencies and employers may take the criminal history check a step further and ask you to provide information about your immediate family. A family members past generally wont prevent you from being considered for employment, but you can expect to be questioned about it if one exists. The reason for this is to make sure that you wont have any conflicts of interest if any family members are engaged in criminal activity. In addition to the criminal history check, criminal justice applicants will be run through existing crimina l and terrorist watch databases. Applicants child support histories will also be examined, and if they are found to be delinquent they will usually be disqualified from the hiring process. Credit Checksfor Criminal Justice BackgroundInvestigations A credit check is often the next component of the background check. Many applicants worry about how their credit will affect their ability to get a job in criminology. Typically, agencies arent concerned with an individuals credit score. Instead, they look at the overall amount of debt and whether or not the applicant has been paying his bills. So long as you are currently meeting your obligations and youre not in debt to the extent that you wont be able to pay your bills on your new salary, your credit history wont harm you in the background investigation. Employment HistoryforBackgroundInvestigations Any thorough background check will include your employment history. This is usually the last step in the checkbecause investigators understand that you may not want your current employer to know you are looking for a new job. The employment history component will involve contacting previous employers and asking basic questions about what kind of employee you were, whether you were excessively late or absent and why you left or resigned. Neighborhood ChecksforBackgroundInvestigations Sometimes, agencies will conduct a neighborhood check and home visit. In these instances, background investigators will speak with current and past neighbors in reservierung to find out what kind of neighbor you were and whether you were involved in anything that they might consider to be suspicious activity. As with the credit check, the neighborhood check alone wont usually exclude you from employment, but will simply point to more questions your investigator may need to ask you in order to get a better picture of your overall background. Getting Past the Process of a Criminal JusticeBackgroundCheck The background investig ation is a necessary part of any application process fora criminology career. The best way to get through the process is to be open, honest and upfront with your background investigator. If youre considering a career in criminal justice or criminology, do your best to stay out of trouble and be an exemplary neighbor and employee. Taking these steps will help you make it through the process and set you up for ??a rewarding career.?