When the police do a background check for employment, how far back do they look?

Question

The emloyment information says they do a background check. Before I got clean, sober and saved, I did some really stupid things. I haven't done them since, for over two decades. How far back do they look, and will they cut you a break if you've changed?

Answer 1

As far as your background goes, you are normally asked, "have you ever done______?"

Now, that is not to say that because you did something 20+ years ago, we are going to disqualify you. We take into account the recency and frequency.

Obviously if you raped or murdered someone years ago (no matter how long) we are not going to take you.

Thefts and drugs and stuff like that, which happened years and years ago will be scrutinized but not necessarily disqualifying.

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

you are cool 7 to 10 years is about the limit

Answer 3

All the way back!

Answer 4

Check criminalsearches.com and see what's on there. Its free.

You might be up front with these people. I was in a similar situation and prayed over it and God gave me this great job that was a small company & didn't even do a background check.

Answer 5

Mine contacted my family and where I lived as a Child!!! all the way back if they want

Answer 6

When I applied to work at the Prison they went back in to my background 15 years.  Which took them all the way back to when I was in high school.  

What ever you do just be honest with them about your self, do not lie to them about any thing in your life, since its better to always be honest with them.  It will look better for you if you tell the truth about your past, how things went in your life.

You will get farther by being totally honest with them.  As I said do not lie to them about any thing, since they are going to be looking for honesty.

I hope that this helps answer your question.  I wish you all the best.  God Bless you.

Answer 7

They can check your adult record. A juvenile one would be sealed.