Missouri State Background Check

Complying With the Law When Using a Missouri Background Check

Using criminal background checks requires following the applicable laws. This Act includes federal rules such as the disclosure and consent requirements of the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Consider whether state-level regulations apply to your business. Here’s what to know about the current state laws in Missouri.

Ban the Box

No state-level law bans criminal history questions on applications for all private employers. However, some local jurisdictions do have such rules. Kansas City and Columbia prohibit all private employers from asking about convictions on job applications or during interviews. Background checks may only begin after making a conditional job offer.

Criminal Records

Missouri does not have local laws that explicitly prohibit the exploration of arrest records. Still, the Commission on Human Rights and the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) strongly discourage it. When exploring criminal records, employers may consider the EEOC Green Factors to evaluate the relevance and impact of criminal convictions.

How Long Does a Missouri State Highway Patrol Background Check Take?

The amount of time required by background check processes can vary. Ordering a report through the Missouri Highway Patrol may provide results in as few as one to three business days. However, circumstances beyond backgroundchecks.com's control may influence the turnaround time. Backlogs, computer system problems, and other issues may all extend the time it takes to receive results. Generally, these services respond promptly, allowing us to pass reports on to you sooner rather than later.

How Far Back Do Missouri Records Go?

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) places a seven-year limit on reporting stipulated records. These restrictions include arrests not related to a conviction. At backgroundchecks.com, we do not include or report any arrest records. However, the seven-year rule does not apply to criminal conviction records. These may appear on reports indefinitely. Likewise, Missouri does not restrict the reporting of criminal convictions. Therefore, a state background check in this county may report any sentence related to an individual, regardless of the period since the conviction.

What Appears on a State of Missouri Background Check Report?

Criminal history information may vary in the level of detail reported between records. However, some data categories are broadly found on criminal records in places like St. Louis County. Understanding this information is critical to reviewing background checks effectively and making informed decisions. The following information may appear on background reports from the CJIS by the Missouri State Highway Patrol:

• Jurisdiction of record
• Case number
• Defendant
• Date of birth
• Charge
• Filing date
• Degree of offense, e.g. misdemeanor
• Disposition
• Disposition date
• Sentence

Find the Right Tools for the Job Today

Adequate vetting is a critical component of sensible hiring. Doing so reduces your future exposure to the legal risks of negligent hiring and helps you identify talented and trustworthy individuals. Using a Missouri state background check is an integral part of that process. At backgroundchecks.com, we make it easy to order and analyze this information as soon as possible. Additional resources about compliance and background check best practices help ensure you can confidently hire.