Why aren't arrests in background checks? Background checks provide a history of criminal records, but most do not include arrests. Background check is a general term that looks into a person's history or records. Certain background checks include assets and many records unrelated to criminal history. Even a RAP sheet requested by police can be considered a type of background check; this is one of the few types, including arrests. RAP stands for Records of Arrest and Prosecution, which is not openly available to the general public.
Why are arrest records not part of your average background check? The main reason is that arrests do not always turn out to be convictions or even taken to trial, there may be cases where the charges are dropped, but the arrest report remains on file. Releasing the arrest record will unduly tarnish a background history check since the patient may have never made it to a court or may have even been forgiven, individuals who were subject to false claims and many other instances.
Regarding employment background checks, the restrictions are even more significant. As various advocate groups encourage the rule of criminal information being released about prospective employees, background check information is scrutinized by the law, in certain instances significantly affecting the state of local statutes.
nothing is stopping the public from looking up arrest records; however, whether in inmate or in police custody searches or requesting official arrest reports from law enforcement, the internet has made it easier to access reports that are published. You will need to dig them up with different sources, similar to an investigation, instead of relying on background checks.