Will the police do a criminal record look up for free if you request one?

Steven's Love

If it is your record then yes. You are legally able to look at any records about you. If it's about someone else then no. They cannot do it not even for a fee. Only a lawyer or FBI or someone like that can do that. Employers are able to do that too, but I'm sure it costs for them

Brian C

Criminal histories are restricted to investigative or employment reasons and are audited on a regular basis to prevent misuse of the information. If you just want a local warrant check on yourself, you can go to the police station (in person) and they will look for you.

Jason W

How could you ask such a question without telling us which state you live in?

I am even more puzzled how other people could glibly answer the question without knowing the state in question. Each state is different. Remember, we do not have a national form of government, it is federal (as in "federation') meaning each state gets to make its own laws.

That being said, some states place tight restrictions on access to computerized criminal records (Massachusetts). Other states do not (Florida). In some of those states, yes, it is correct you can have a criminal record check done on a person by making application at a local police or sheriff's office. In other states, you must contact the central state agency in charge of the records in order to gain access.

It is a matter of constitutional law that in a democracy justice is presumed to be public, not secret, so the original paper documents will be available for inspection in the courthouse in which the case was originally heard (with some exceptions).

But as for the computerized "rap" of a person, access varies from state to state. The FBI cross-references the computerized records from each state and only tracks serious felonies. The federal computer records are not open to the public (because of the state laws in the states where the records came from).

Generally speaking, however, wherever you go to get a records search, it will not be free.

wendy.balsam

i have done it a few times to check for tickets etc but i know a lot of cops...im sure they could do it if they wanted to...but if they are looking for you and you ask to have it done youre asking to be arrested haha

Lisa E

No, but you can go to your county clerk of court's website and look in the public records. They are free, and public (obviously).

Ringer

Sure if you allow them to arrest you, course you already think something is on your record or you wouldn't be concerned.

Ã•fficial Census FakeÑâ„¢

Generally, no. But, depending on your state, often those records are public and you can find them on your county sheriff's website.

Tyron

If it is your record, you can contact the FBI for that. However no, the police will not do this.

*****

I know of no police departments who will do this.

TedEx

PA- Ten dollars,please.

nosh!

No, but there is an issue about FOI

generationZ

not unless your victimized by the person

sasha1641

If it is for yourself, you can get it for a few $$. Does not cost much.
Go to the local county office building.

utahmike42

Nope. If you don't believe me ask a cop.

Purple Rayne

most of the time you can find it yourself at your county court house under the person's name.....it's public record.

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