Criminal Records and Their Many Uses
Criminal records are just that; a record of criminal activity that a specific person has been involved in during a specified period of time. Criminal records are commonly used in many industries for different reasons, but they are one of the most frequently accessed documents concerning individuals. There are a number of disparate people and business entities that often require access to criminal records.
Individuals- Many individuals prefer to keep track of their criminal records for the sake of safety. Mistakes can be made in the court system, often due to mishaps with paper work and documentation and many individuals prefer to know exactly what is on their criminal record. This is done in the same spirit that people keep tabs on their credit report; it is a means of prevention that many find valuable.
Businesses- Many times employers will require a criminal records check or verification prior to hiring an individual. This is done as risk assessment and protection. While the criminal records may not be used to define whom the company is going to hire, it is an excellent method for determining the validity of an employment application. Most of the time the criminal records check must be paid for by the job applicant, though sometimes, the company will pay for the check. Certain positions within different companies and firms will require that the applicant have no criminal record.
Courts and Trials- Criminal records are often accessed during trials and by courts. While they are not used to actively determine a person's guilt or innocence or even to influence a trial in anyway, they can be used to establish patterns and to help determine other risk factors for judges presiding over a case.
Criminal records once could only be accessed by paying a visit to the county in which they were filed. That is no longer the case, thanks to the advent of the Internet. This vast pool of information is now being used to provide access to criminal records for those who require it. Many counties offer free access to criminal records, while others have a fee based system in place; regardless, there are millions of criminal records available online today. The Internet boasts hundreds of websites designed to provide access to these records, though the public records systems in many areas area, making strides toward easier navigation, search features and more.