Criminal background checks have always been common practice in certain professional circles. For example, individuals entering law enforcement, trucking, or child care traditionally have been screened for prior misconduct. These days, however, the use of criminal background checks has been extended to nearly all professions and is even used when determining eligibility for schooling.

Anyone who has completed a job application is familiar with the part of the form that inquires about criminal history. Often, it simply asks, "Have you ever been convicted of a felony? If so, please explain." Most of us don't have to worry about this inquiry, but it does give some applicants reason for pause.

Criminal Background Checks and School Applications

However, most extended criminal background checks begin with this simple screening question. Although it is possible (and some might argue likely) for people to lie when completing applications, a simple screening question can help to allot limited resources to the lengthier background checks. These days, applications for all types of work will include the screen, and many disciplines will ask for lengthier documentation of one's record.

Increasingly, screening questions have been added to college and graduate school applications. The reasons for this are clear. A criminal record speaks to a student's personality and behavioral tendencies in very important ways. An extensive criminal background check is often impossible, but schools will use the screen to form a fuller picture of the student who may matriculate.