Louisiana Background Checks
Obtaining a background check in Louisiana for an individual can be requested by employers or independent members of the public for a variety of reasons. Typically, an LA background report contains the criminal, professional or financial history of the subject and the contents depend on the type and purpose of the document.
The most common requestors of Louisiana background verifications are employers such as companies and government institutions. The agency responsible for performing background screenings in LA is the Department of Public Safety and Corrections and the Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information.
How to Get a Louisiana Background Check
Getting a background check in Louisiana can be completed either online or in person. Each method must be in compliance with the Louisiana laws and a certain fee is paid based on the document’s purpose.
In some instances, requestors may be required to obtain the subject’s fingerprints in order to successfully complete the LA background screening.
The online background check system can be used by state agencies and private employers who need to perform a background search for job candidates, while the mail-in process can be additionally used by various boards or when the applicant has given authorization to a personal or legal representative to request a Right to Review.
Ordering a Louisiana Background Check Online
The most convenient option to get a background check in Louisiana is to order it online. To complete this name-based online background check, you will need to obtain certain information about the subject, such as his or her:
- Full name.
- Gender.
- Race.
- Date of birth.
- Social Security Number.
Note that the results from the search are based on the LA DPSC criminal history database and you will receive a single response out of the following possible outcomes:
- “Please Provide Fingerprints”
- “Delay in Processing”
- “No Disqualifying Information Found”
- “Positive Criminal History Found”
Note: The result “No Disqualifying Information Found” is considered a final response which you will be able to print out. The rest of the responses usually mean that you need to provide additional information in order to receive a final Louisiana background report.
Ordering a Louisiana Background Check by Mail
If you need to order a Louisiana background investigation by mail, you will need to complete the appropriate forms and submit them to the main office of the state Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information in Baton Rouge.
There are different forms available for various requests. For instance, the Authorization Form used together with the General Disclosure Form is used to request employee background checks.
On the other hand, RAP Disclosure Forms are used to obtain background reports for different boards such as the State Board of Nursing, the State ABC Board, the State Board of Medical Examiners etc.
Finally, the Right to Review Authorization Form used in conjunction with the appropriate disclosure form is used to get a right to review a report in accordance with the LA Statute for the Right of Individual Access.
Who needs a Louisiana background check?
Louisiana full background checks are usually requested from members of the general public such as employers, landlords and individuals who need a home-based caregiver, among others. Criminal and personal background checks are a good source of information when you need insight in an individual’s personal, financial, criminal or professional history.
Renters
Most landlords perform a Louisiana rental record search or a personal background check on potential tenants in order to assess the financial habits of the subjects, as well as their tendency to criminal or damaging behavior. These LA renters background reports are also useful to estimate whether the tenant will pay the rent in a timely manner.
Employees
Employee background checks in LA are performed before a final decision about a job candidate is made. Estimating the job applicant’s financial, professional and criminal history can provide an excellent insight about whether he or she will fit into the company and comply with company policies related to the new job.
EMS/First Responders
EMS workers and first responders are subject to Louisiana medical background checks due to the nature of their job. Working directly with the public, these individuals must reflect common sense and responsibility, especially in high-stress situations. A clean EMS background report can greatly increase an applicant’s chances of securing an EMS/first-responder job.
Caregivers
When hiring a home-based caregiver, individuals rely on Louisiana background screenings in order to make a decision about a potential job candidate.
Caregivers must be responsible and patient individuals, as working with someone in need can be challenging. Thus, getting a background check in LA for a caregiver is often the first step towards deciding whether he or she will be a good fit.
Managers
Companies resort to performing an employee background check in Louisiana for job applicants interested in managerial positions. A background check for job competence involves assessing the candidate’s’ criminal past, along with their professional and financial habits, as the results can easily demonstrate an individual’s professional qualities.
When You Will Need a Background Check
Louisiana full background checks can be obtained in various situations, such as when you need to review the criminal or financial history of an individual you intend to employ. LA background verifications are also requested in the following instances:
- For visa purposes.
- For completing adoptions.
- For purchasing firearms.
- For obtaining a commercial driver’s license.
- For assessing an individual’s financial history.
The Difference Between Standard and Criminal Background Checks
The main difference between an LA criminal history check and a standard personal background check is in the amount of information available to the requestor.
Typically, standard background reports may include the subject’s credit history or professional past, while criminal history checks in Louisiana contain any arrests, misdemeanors, felonies or convictions of an individual.