How do I do a background check?

I need to do a background check (on myself!) but am not sure how to go about it. Do I contact the police or is it an agency that does it? I've done it before, many years ago, so I know it is possible, I am just not sure how.

Any help greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Rebecca

when you get this info, can you make it a "public" answer? I'd love to know this as well!!

In Lake County, IN you can go to the Sheriff's Office and they will help. Not sure how much $, but you can call them and get the information.

Hi,

I just had to do this myself for a job I'm applying for overseas. You can go over to the main police HQ on 3510 S Michigan and once you enter, go to the room on the left. There are several counters I think you want either #7 or #8. Just go up and ask them directly...M - F 8 -4. It's $5.00 for a criminal check and 50 cents each for traffic violation reports. After this I THINK you go over to LaSalle for a stamp/embossed seal from the county clerk (not sure if that's b/c my applic is for an embassy or if this is standard for all checks...I still need to do this actually not sure if there is a fee.) Anyway, good luck! It doesn't take but an hour or so unless there are many people waiting.

Hilarie

Discuss the situation with the police first. If the person has not committed a crime they can not do background checks.
They can however give you advice as to where to start or what to do. Or, you could always hire an agency.

I was identity thieved in the past and for awhile when I wasn't finding jobs I thought perhaps something might be up. AS a job requirement, I was fingerprinted later through the police department when I was getting a job in a school and happily all is well, but everyone should know what to do.

Different agencies have different databases. DCFS has their own database for child care providers. When they get fingerprinted and sign a consent for background check, the fingerprinting is kept solely with DCFS and the background check results come back for the licensing representative to see. IF something is wrong, the representative takes action.

Most local suburban departments do not offer this service. Our department sends you to ISP (Illinois State Police). They will conduct it for you for a fee. I'm not sure how Chicago does it (sounds like someone already gave a good answer for that). You can pay an outside agency to run one....it could be faster then ISP but cost a little more money. Good Luck! Jen

Start with Lexis Nexis which is a website where you can find out background information on yourself and others for a low fee.

If you are in Chicago, I believe you can go on 35th and Michigan(CPD) and request records and fingerprints.

www.trustline.org

They run background checks with a full name and drivers licence number. I was just told about them by a fellow daycare provider who suggested I use them for checking babysitter/daycare assistants background. I am not sure of the cost.

You have to send your fingerprints away, if you are doing it for job (teaching) there is usually a form from the employer that lists the address and what is necessary. There is a small fee. I have done it in two states for teaching and just used the form from the school. Not sure how to do a Federal one....I am sure they do when when applying for a passport.

Re: How I found out someone had a criminal record

I recently had a similar situation when I hired someone to work in my home for a number of months.

I went to this site http://www.mgrmanagement.info and it provided me with the information that I needed.

Sure enough, the person I was going to hire to work around my family had a lengthy criminal record including robbery!

He seemed like a very nice man but you cannot judge a book by its cover. Do yourself a favor and have them checked out.

I was totally shocked that they had so much info on this person. The website had all public info info including addresses, phone numbers, and criminal records.

There was also a listing for marriage certificates, bankruptcy, death records and a bunch of other stuff.