Arkansas Background Checks
The process of getting a background check in Arkansas is often completed by public and private entities (individuals, companies and agencies) for various purposes. The most common reason to order a background check in AR is to investigate the criminal, financial and commercial records of job applicants.
The Arkansas State Police (ASP) offers background check services that are both name-based and fingerprint based. To get a fingerprint-based police background check in AR, requestors must obtain the written consent of the record subject and be mandated by state law to conduct the investigation. Standard AR background reports and name-based criminal inquiries are available to the general public.
How to Get an Arkansas Background Check
Depending on the type of Arkansas background investigation that is necessary, individuals and businesses may be able to request one online, in person and by mail. For instance, you can generally order standard records such as credit and driving reports via the internet (in addition to alternative methods).
Fingerprint-based criminal queries can be submitted by authorized entities with either a paper or an online application. Name-based criminal records from the open AR Criminal History (ARCH) system, however, are only available via the internet.
Ordering an Arkansas Background Check Online
The most convenient method to order Arkansas criminal background checks is by filling out an online application. The online background check procedure may vary based on whether you are applying for a name-based or a fingerprint-based search, and whether or not you have the consent of the holder of the record to do so.
Requestors may also be able to obtain standard reports, such as driving and financial records via the internet as well.
Regardless of procedural differences, AR background investigation applicants will be required to submit several details about the subject of the record, such as his or her:
- First and last name.
- Gender.
- Birth date.
When ordering an AR background check online, applicants will generally be required to pay a set service fee, which will vary based on the type of investigation that is requested.
Note: Arizona fingerprint-based criminal history checks can only be conducted by authorized public and government entities (individuals and organizations).
Ordering an Arkansas Background Check in Person and by Mail
An Arkansas background search can also be requested with a paper application in person or by mail. For instance, you can get a criminal history check in AR by mailing or delivering the ASP Individual Record Check Form in person to the AR State Police. Applicants will also be required to pay the current fee.
Requestors submitting their police background search application in person will be required to present an official photo I.D, whereas mailed-in requests must be notarized. If the AR background search is ordered by a party other than the holder of the record, the application form must also be notarized, regardless of the application method.
Note: Certain licensing agencies in Arkansas provide different application forms for obtaining a criminal history record.
Who needs an Arkansas background check?
Background screenings in Arkansas can be conducted for any resident within the state. A wide variety of procedures require the submission of an AR background lookup. For instance, licensing agencies may request a background search prior to issuing a professional license to an individual.
Employment agencies and employers generally order a background check for job purposes. Individuals or private or public organizations may request a background record in AR under various kinds of circumstances.
Renters
An Arkansas rental background check is often necessary during the rental agreement process. By ordering a background screening in AR, landlords will receive detailed information about the renting applicant’s criminal, financial and personal past. Property owners generally use this data to assess whether the potential applicant is an individual who can pay his or her payments on time and treat the housing unit with respect.
Employees
Employers generally conduct job background checks in Arkansas in order to assess potential employment candidates. A full background check in AR will reveal any issues in the employee’s past that may render him or her unsuitable for certain job positions.
Depending on the requirements of the job, a limited AR background search may often be sufficient. For a basic driver position, applicants will generally require only their driving records. Note that both employers and potential employees may order a background check for job purposes.
EMS/First Responders
Conducting an EMS background check in Arkansas is an important step, since medical first responders must complete their job tasks under stressful circumstances. The responsibilities of EMS workers often include caring for critically-injured patients during irregular working hours. Medical institutions that order medical background lookups will ensure they hire job applicants with clean criminal and financial backgrounds.
Caregivers
An important job requirement for caretakers is to undergo a complete background check in Arkansas. Employers conduct these background investigations as they are entrusting the care of a relative to an individual who is not a family member. By ordering a full background report in AR, you will ensure you engage the caregiving services of an applicant without a questionable past.
Managers
Job applicants must pass a stricter Arkansas background check for employment purposes when applying for a managerial position. Since managers are often responsible for leading a team of other employees, they must demonstrate dependable leadership skills and a professional behavior. Applicants whose employment history check exhibits certain inconsistencies will rarely be considered for the position.
When You Will Need a Background Check
Individuals and companies get a background check in Arkansas during a wide variety of procedures. While an AR background report can be obtained for any state resident, regardless of the reason, applicants generally request one when completing procedures such as:
- Purchasing a firearm.
- Applying for employment (with a government or a private entity).
- Adopting a child.
- Applying for a professional license in certain fields.
The above list does not contain all instances when an AR background check may be necessary. For instance, you may be required to undergo a background screening when completing certain motor vehicle transactions through your local DMV office.
The Difference Between Standard and Criminal Background Checks
Requestors are able to utilize different types of Arkansas background check services within the state. Applicants (individuals or organizational entities) may order a full background investigation in AR order a full background investigation in AR that will cover everything from the record holder’s criminal past to his or her driving record. Specific background searches, however, are available as well.
For instance, requestors will often order a criminal record search for purposes such as employment, licensing and more. Such investigations will only focus on the record holder’s criminal history and will include data about past convictions and arrest warrants. Standard AR background lookups will focus on one aspect of an individual’s past, such as his or her credit history or driving record.
Note: You may order both a state name-based and a national fingerprint-based criminal background check in AR.