Criminal history in Oregon is an important source of information when it comes to background checks, and provides the public with a comprehensive look into an individual’s past and can be used to make informed decisions about hiring, renting, or other life-changing situations.
In Oregon, criminal history is managed by the Department of Corrections and also by local law enforcement agencies. All criminal history reports requested must be done through the State Police Identification Services Section. The state also maintains a statewide database that contains all arrest and conviction data reported throughout the state in addition to records from other states.
When conducting a criminal history search in Oregon, all individuals over 18 years of age are required to submit fingerprints for record identification purposes. Reports may contain felonies, misdemeanors, and traffic violations. These records may also include information about pending charges, as well as any associated sentences or fines.
Having access to this information can be incredibly important for making decisions about who you are hiring or renting to. It is important to understand the laws and regulations surrounding criminal history so that you can use this information responsibly and ethically. As with any other background check, all individuals should provide informed consent before their records are checked. Additionally, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits employers from using criminal history information when deciding whether or not to hire someone unless it is job-related and relevant to the position applied for.
What’s the Difference Between a Criminal History and a Criminal Background Check?
A criminal history includes information on criminal convictions, while a criminal background check is a more comprehensive review of an individual’s criminal history and may include other relevant data such as arrests, traffic infractions, court records, and even employment and education histories.
Can My Criminal History Be Seen in Other States?
When it comes to criminal history in Oregon, the answer is yes. Even if you were convicted of a crime in another state and have since moved to Oregon, your criminal history may still be visible to employers and other entities who conduct background checks.
Under federal law, all states are required to share criminal records. This means that any time an employer or other entity runs a criminal background check, they can access records from any other state in the US. Any felony convictions, as well as some misdemeanors, will be visible on a nationwide criminal background check.
What Does an FBI Background Check Show?
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) provides comprehensive criminal background checks to employers and organizations in Oregon and across the country. An FBI background check is a more detailed version of a state or county criminal history record search, which may include additional information such as arrests, convictions, incarcerations, court records, warrants, sex offender registry records, and more.
The Oregon State Police General Investigations Unit operates the Criminal History Information Center (CHIC). This center works with local law enforcement agencies to collect data related to criminal activity in Oregon. The CHIC has access to the Oregon Statewide Criminal Database (OSCD), which contains records from all counties within the state. In addition to criminal cases prosecuted at the state level, the Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division of the FBI has access to records from federal courts, as well as criminal histories compiled at the national level.
The CJIS also provides access to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). The NICS is a nationwide system that allows employers to quickly and easily obtain background checks on potential employees. This system can provide information about an individual’s criminal history, including any felony convictions or outstanding warrants in states other than Oregon.
How Far Back Does a Criminal History Go?
Criminal history records typically go back as far as the individual’s 18th birthday. However, some states have laws that limit the period for which a criminal background check can be conducted. In Oregon, employers are limited to conducting criminal background checks that go back seven years from the date of hire.
It is important to note that an individual’s past criminal activity may not always be visible on a criminal record search due to statutes of limitations or other legal barriers. Additionally, some jurisdictions may destroy or seal arrest and court records after a certain period have elapsed since the completion of the case. Therefore, it is important for employers and individuals alike to understand their state and local laws regarding the retention of this information.
Conclusion
Criminal history is an important tool for employers and other organizations to ensure that they are making informed decisions when hiring potential employees. By conducting thorough criminal background checks, employers can protect their businesses from those with a history of criminal behavior. Additionally, individuals can use this information in Oregon to gain insight into their criminal pasts. For example, if an individual was arrested in another state but never charged or convicted, this information will not be included in a local search of their criminal record. However, it could turn up on a nationwide search conducted through the CJIS Division of the FBI.
This information can be used by employers to make informed hiring decisions and by individuals to gain a better understanding of their criminal histories. Employers and job applicants alike need to understand the laws surrounding criminal background checks so that they can ensure that their rights are respected during this process. By taking the time to understand criminal history, everyone can benefit from a safe and secure environment.