How Do I Authenticate An FBI Background Check?
Many people have trouble understanding the difference between the terms "background check", “criminal history check", "criminal history background check”, which causes widespread confusion. FDLE defines a background check as a criminal history record check, which determines if a person has been arrested or convicted of a crime.
The expression "background check" is used by some companies to review other information such as credit checks and driving records.
For FDLE purposes, a "background check" includes a search of the following:
- The Florida Computerized Criminal History Central Repository for Florida arrests (state check).
- The Florida Computerized Criminal History Central Repository for Florida arrests AND the national criminal history database at the FBI for federal arrests and arrests from other states (state and national check).
- The Florida Crime Information Center for warrants and domestic violence injunctions (warrant files check).
FDLE national record checks are based on the submission of fingerprints.
Difference between level 1 and level 2 FDLE Background Check
“Level 1” and “level 2 ” are terms used by Florida Statutes that explain the method used in the criminal history search. In addition, they describe the extent of the data that was searched.
Level 1: Name-based check. State Only.
Level 2: Both a state and national fingerprint-based check. This includes the consideration of disqualified offenses. A level 2 check applies to both those employees designated by law as holding positions of responsibility or trust
Per Section 435.04, Level 2 background security investigations must be conducted on employees, defined as individuals required by law to be fingerprinted pursuant to Chapter 435.
Note: These terms only pertain to the state of Florida and are not used on a national level by the FBI.
