A criminal background check is a record of a person’s criminal history, generally used to assess his or her trustworthiness. The federal government maintains extensive criminal histories and acts as a central repository for all agencies to report their own data.  Some states have official “statewide repositories” that contain criminal history information contributed by the various county and municipal courts within the state.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation manages the official national criminal history database through the National Crime Information Center (NCIC).  The NCIC stores information regarding open arrest warrants, stolen property, missing persons, and dispositions regarding felonies and serious misdemeanors.

Mandated by the Brady Bill, the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) is used by the FBI to screen potential firearms buyers.  Criminal background checks are also used to screen prospective employees and volunteers, as well as prospective business partners, political candidates, board members, trial witnesses, community leaders, sporting coaches and jurors.