ScottDLS wrote:Part of the problem here is States allowing private individuals access to records of arrests, especially for misdemeanors. Especially since these records are (apparently) riddled with incorrect and incomplete information.
Take employment or tenant screening background checks for instance. I have no problem with private entities doing them, but why is the State making information available about crimes that were alleged, but later disproven, dismissed, acquitted, etc. OK maybe if the charges are pending (under indictment) for felonies.
When I see a private employment questionnaire that says "Have you ever been arrested?", my thought is "None of your business." Ask me if I was convicted, or find out yourself. Maybe police
actively investigating a crime could use this information, but I suspect that in most actual trials, previous acquittals are suppressed unless there is some compelling reason. For every OJ Simpson there's probably 10,000 Ryan's who got jammed up on bull charges. Or maybe even OJ's really innocent (of murder).
Anyway, since arrests are (usually) matters of public record, a private company could compile them and make them available. But why are (many) states assisting in this process by making the records available to private entities? Especially given the incompleteness and inaccuracy issues.
This and EVERYTHING seems to be an arrestable offense lately. So back to the original topic. If you were to run a background check on someone taking a LTC class, or other training class, what would you be looking for? Someone who is a prohibited person? Only if you're a FFL selling them a gun. Then you run the NICS check. Otherwise let DPS figure it out before they issue a LTC.
and they ask about arrests for so many things that really don't matter.