subject: Free Criminal Records - How to Search and Browse Criminal Records Online [print this page] Author: Chris Cornell Author: Chris Cornell
Though internet has made the availability of criminal records easy, specific state legislation is required to obtain the information. Where can you find free criminal records? The Federal Bureau of Prisons' website offers an inmate locator service for free. There is another site called the Family Watch Dog website that keeps track of sex offenders released from prison. You should search the separate databases of state correctional facilities, police records, and court records. But it is very important to verify the persons name or identity before you start your search. In many states, criminal records are restricted and you need the person's date of birth and social security number in order to conduct the search. As a prospective employer, you would have this information but then you are required by law to inform your applicants that a criminal background check is being conducted on them. Also, you need to provide the applicant access to the public information you have gathered. The entire process of a complete search for free criminal records can be difficult and time consuming. In addition, free services which are not provided by government agencies or accredited government providers have to be double-checked. Gathering nationwide data such as criminal records, which incur several additions throughout the year, requires great investment of time and resources. Therefore, you should remember that the sites that offer free information may not have updated records. Free criminal records providers may not be able to provide accurate information to you. The fee of the research would depend on the detail of the research you want. The price would vary depending on the scope and quality of the databases which these free database companies have. While some database searches are organized by state, others provide a convenient nationwide search feature of criminal records. The fee might be around $40 yearly for the free criminal records check.About the Author:
