Alaska Background Checks
Conducting an Alaska background check is often a necessary step during the first stages of the employment process. The type of background screening in AK will vary based on the information that is requested. Private employers and government agencies generally perform a criminal history check, especially for jobs that require a high degree of trust.
Individuals have the option to review their criminal background information as well. An AK background investigation may be necessary for other purposes as well, such as purchasing a firearm or adopting a child. Note that the dissemination of criminal records in Alaska is controlled by certain state laws.
How to Get an Alaska Background Check
Applicants can order a background search in Alaska via the following methods: online, in person and by mail. The most convenient option to get a background lookup in AK is to order it via the internet.
Note that the online Background Check Program (BCP) is currently limited to individuals and organizations who are associated with the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS). Applicants ineligible for the online option can still submit a paper application to the DPS.
Ordering an Alaska Background Check Online
To successfully submit an application for an Alaska background check online, requestors will be required to enter specific information about the record subject. Applicants may also be required to submit fingerprint cards in person or by mail to the BCP program within 30 days of submitting their internet inquiry.
When filling out the online background check application, you will generally be asked to provide the record holder’s:
- Social Security Number.
- Full name and date of birth.
- Gender, eye color, hair color, height and weight.
- Contact information (address, phone number, email address).
You may also be required to add additional data. The procedure may vary based on whether the application is submitted by an individual or an organization.
After submitting your AK online background search request, the system will ask you to provide payment for a set fee. The processing times and the cost amount will differ based on whether or not you are required to submit your fingerprints as well.
Ordering an Alaska Background Check in Person or by Mail
Getting a background check in Alaska is a process that can also be completed by submitting your request directly to the Criminal Records and Identification Bureau of the state DPS. The Alaska Criminal Justice information is accessible by individuals, private employers and licensing agencies for background screening purposes.
The in-person and the mail-in procedures to get a background search in AK will vary based on whether the requestor is the record subject or a business/licensing entity seeking information for another individual. When submitting their application forms, applicants will also be required to include the payment for the investigation fees.
Note: The applicable costs for an AK police background check will vary based on whether you are requesting a name-based or a fingerprint-based search.
Who needs an Alaska background check?
An Alaska background report can be requested for a wide variety of reasons by both separate individuals and organizational entities (private and government).
The most common group of AK background check applicants are employers who are evaluating potential job applicants. In addition to background checks for employment, however, an investigation may be necessary for purposes such as renting a housing or finding employment as a caregiver.
Renters
An Alaska rental background check is generally performed during the rental agreement process. Since property owners seek to rent to individuals who can pay their due costs on time, they get a background search to learn whether or not the renter is a financially stable individual.
Also, a full background check in AK will provide them with information about the applicant’s past criminal convictions and charges. Landlords who order a renter background check in AK will ensure they negotiate the best terms when renting their property.
Employees
By ordering an Alaska employee background check, businesses are able to make an informed decision about whether or not to hire a certain job applicant. Employers generally conduct a full background search that reveals the applicant’s professional and personal history, as well as his credit score and criminal record.
Depending on the position, however, the AK background check for job purposes may only include information relating to a specific aspect, such as the applicant’s driving record. By investigating potential employees, you will ensure to hire a candidate that will perform his or her duties safely and responsibly.
EMS/First Responders
EMS background reports in Alaska help hospitals and other medical institutions avoid the negligent hiring of unsuitable workers and EMS personnel. Due to the stressful nature of the job, applicants will have to pass a stricter background screening process.
Since first responders are required to maintain a high level of focus and tend for the well-being of patients at all times, a clean medical background verification is an important job requirement.
Caregivers
Using background check services in Alaska to investigate caregivers is an important step, as you are entrusting the care of a family member to another individual. By completing a complete background check in AK you will receive detailed information about the job applicant’s criminal, financial and professional history.
A clean background report will provide you with the reassurance that you have chosen a caregiver that will perform his duties safely and responsibly.
Managers
Business background checks in Alaska are also conducted when hiring new managers. This employment position is suitable for employees with special leadership capabilities who are able to maintain a professional attitude when managing their team. For instance, applicants who have previous criminal convictions and/or those who have experienced financial hardships are not the most adequate applicants for a managerial position.
When You Will Need a Background Check
Ordering a background investigation in Alaska is a process that is completed for a wide range of reasons. An AK background lookup is commonly conducted when hiring workers. Other instances when a criminal or a personal background screening is necessary may include the procedures of:
- Adopting a child.
- Conducting motor vehicle transactions through your local DMV office.
- Buying a firearm.
- Applying for a U.S. visa.
Note: If you disagree with the information contained in your AK criminal history check, you can submit a request to correct it to the Department of Public Safety.
The Difference Between Standard and Criminal Background Checks
When getting a background search in Alaska, requestors have the option to choose different types of investigations, which vary based on the information they provide.
If the requestor (individual or company) needs an individual’s criminal history information, an extensive criminal background check is conducted, which will include current and past offender information. Financial and commercial background screenings in AK, on the other hand, only focus on one aspect of an individual’s past.
The extent of the criminal record search in Alaska will vary based on who requests the information. For instance if the subject of the record orders his or her own search, the Criminal Records and Identification Bureau will provide him or her with classified sealed information as well.