Free Public Police Records?

By Jed Elaine

The US fares badly when it comes to compliance with the law. Statistics have demonstrated that time and again, with recent ones providing further reiteration. It seems that the more our criminal laws are refined, the more they're put to the live test. Americans sure love a challenge, right or wrong. Fortunately, we have the means to cope. One of the pillars of that strength is our Police, and the public system to go with it.

Although public measures are in place at the macro level to deal with the problem of crimes, we cannot be too careful about safeguarding our own interests and that of our loved ones. One handy way of taking our own initiative in keeping our eyes open to bad hats is through public records. They are mandated by law through the Freedom of Information Act (1966) to be made accessible by anyone.

There are various public records catering to specific areas of information about people and Public Police Records is ideal for investigating criminal history or background. The information contained in them covers all police reports in relation to the individual including those that are not criminal in nature such as traffic violation, address change, firearms permit, emergencies, household accidents and so forth.

As Public Police Records are public records, they can be accessed by anyone so long as requirements are complied with. Having that said, the use of the information derived from them is restrictive. Laws are stringent and protective on privacy and discrimination. As an example, the use of Public Police Records in employment and volunteer screening is only permissible if consent from the subject to conduct the search is granted by them beforehand.

Police come under state jurisdiction. Hence, variations in the treatment of Public Police Records from state to state follow suit. However, the general practice is for local police departments to oversee all direct aspects of this function including maintaining and providing them to the public upon their request. Other state agencies like the Statistics and Data Department and State Repository may also have the facility to provide them.

Public Police Records are available free of charge as a public service but procedures and waiting time are typical features. On top of it, they often require further work. Alternatively, there's the commercial version. Highly professional ones are found in abundance on the net. Fees are involved but they spare you the fuss and hassle. Reports can be ready within minutes but most of all, it's 100% legal.