Background Check in Oregon: Laws & Criminal Records Search

Background checks are essential in Oregon, helping employers, landlords, and others verify someone’s history to maintain a safe and trustworthy environment.

This article will provide a clear overview of background checks in Oregon, covering the relevant laws and regulations, the step-by-step process for obtaining one, and the different types of background checks you might encounter. Understanding these key points will help make the process smoother and less stressful.

What Is an Oregon Background Check?

An Oregon background check is a process used to verify a person’s history and credentials. These checks are crucial for public and private employers to ensure they are hiring trustworthy and qualified candidates. The Oregon State Police often handle these checks, providing detailed information about an individual’s past. Now, let’s go deeper into it.

How Do I Get a State Background Check in Oregon?

Getting a state background check in Oregon involves several steps to ensure thorough and accurate results. Here’s a detailed guide to help you through the process:

1. Determine the Type of Check Needed: Identify whether you need a criminal background check, employment verification, or another type of background check.
2. Complete the Required Forms: Obtain and fill out the necessary forms, usually available on the Oregon State Police website.
3. Provide Fingerprints: For many background checks, fingerprinting is required. Visit an authorized fingerprinting location to have your fingerprints taken.
4. Submit Your Application: Send your completed forms, fingerprints, and any required fees to the Oregon State Police.
5. Wait for Processing: Processing times can vary, taking from several days to a few weeks. You will receive the results once the background check is complete.

What Shows up on an Oregon Background Check?

Here are the common types of background checks and what typically appears in each:

Employment Verification

Employment verification checks confirm a candidate’s work history, including previous employers, job titles, and dates of employment. This helps ensure that the information provided by the applicant is accurate and truthful. Employers often contact past employers directly or use specialized services for this verification.

Detailed employment background checks can also include performance reviews and reasons for leaving previous jobs. This information provides a clearer picture of the candidate’s work ethic and reliability, which is important for making informed hiring decisions.

Education Verification

Education verification confirms the academic credentials claimed by a candidate. This includes verifying degrees, diplomas, and certificates, as well as the institutions attended. Employers use this to ensure candidates have the necessary educational background for the job.

In addition to verifying the authenticity of educational qualifications, this check can reveal the candidate’s field of study and graduation dates. This information is essential for roles requiring specific academic achievements or specialized knowledge.

Criminal Background Checks

Criminal background checks are vital for assessing the safety and suitability of a candidate. These checks reveal any criminal history, including arrests, charges, and convictions. Public and private employers rely on this information to prevent potential risks.

An Oregon criminal background check includes data from state and national databases. It can uncover serious offenses like felonies, as well as misdemeanors and infractions. Employers use this data to evaluate the candidate’s integrity and potential impact on the workplace.

Civil Court Searches

Civil court searches provide information about non-criminal legal proceedings involving the candidate. This can include lawsuits, restraining orders, and bankruptcy filings. These searches help employers assess potential risks that might not appear in a criminal check.

Civil court searches are crucial for roles involving financial responsibilities or sensitive information. Understanding a candidate’s civil court history helps employers make informed decisions, ensuring the individual’s stability and reliability.

Driving Record Checks

Driving record checks are essential for positions requiring driving. They reveal information about the candidate’s driving history, including traffic violations, DUIs, and license status. This check helps employers ensure the safety and reliability of their drivers.

Detailed driving record checks also show any points on the candidate’s license and any suspensions or revocations. This information is critical for roles like delivery drivers, bus drivers, and other transportation-related positions, where safety is a top priority.

Credit Background Checks

Credit background checks are used to assess a candidate’s financial responsibility. These checks reveal credit history, including debt levels, payment history, and any bankruptcies. They are particularly important for positions involving financial management.

Employers use credit checks to assess a candidate’s financial stability and trustworthiness. This helps evaluate potential risks, especially for roles in finance, accounting, and management.

What Are the Background Check Laws and Regulations in Oregon?

Below are some key regulations that you should be aware of when conducting or undergoing a background check in Oregon.

Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) is a federal law that regulates how consumer information is collected and used. It ensures that background checks are conducted fairly and that individuals have the right to access their reports and dispute inaccuracies. The FCRA requires employers to obtain written consent before conducting a background check and to provide a copy of the report and a summary of rights if any adverse action is taken based on the report.

Equal Pay Act

Oregon’s Equal Pay Act aims to eliminate wage disparities based on gender, race, or other protected characteristics. While not directly related to background checks, it ensures that salary history cannot be used to justify pay differences. Employers must provide equal pay for comparable work and cannot seek an applicant’s salary history during the hiring process.

Oregon’s Ban the Box Law

Oregon’s Ban the Box law restricts employers from asking about an applicant’s criminal history on job applications. This law helps candidates with past convictions to be considered based on their qualifications first, rather than being immediately disqualified due to their criminal record. Employers can inquire about criminal history only after an initial interview or conditional job offer.

ORS 659A.550

ORS 659A.550 is a state regulation that prohibits employers from requiring an applicant to pay for the cost of background checks. This ensures that the financial burden of obtaining background information does not fall on the job seekers. Employers must cover all expenses related to the screening process.

ORS 659A.030

Under ORS 659A.030, it is unlawful for employers to discriminate against an applicant based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, or age. This regulation is fundamental in maintaining fair hiring practices and ensuring that background checks are not used to unfairly discriminate against potential employees.

ORS 659A.320

ORS 659A.320 restricts employers from using an applicant’s credit history in hiring decisions, except in specific circumstances where the information is substantially job-related. This law helps to protect applicants from being unfairly judged based on their financial history, ensuring that only relevant information is considered.

Local Oregon Fair Hiring Laws

Fair hiring laws in Oregon are designed to ensure equitable employment practices. These laws prevent discrimination based on race, gender, age, and other protected characteristics.

In Oregon, employers must follow these regulations to provide equal opportunities to all applicants. For example, Portland has specific rules to promote fair hiring.

Fair hiring laws also include “ban-the-box” regulations, which restrict employers from asking about criminal history on initial job applications. This allows candidates to be judged on their qualifications first, rather than their past. Several jurisdictions, such as Multnomah County, have implemented these fair hiring practices to ensure a more inclusive workforce.

How Far Back Does a Background Check Go in Oregon?

In Oregon, background checks typically go back seven years for most criminal records and credit history. However, there are exceptions. For example, certain positions, such as those in childcare or healthcare, may require a more extensive look into an applicant’s history, potentially going back further.

Details such as felony convictions might appear beyond the seven-year mark, depending on the nature of the job and the employer’s requirements. Additionally, financial records, such as bankruptcies, can be reported for up to ten years. Employers must comply with both state laws and the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) when conducting background checks.

How Long Does a Background Check Take in Oregon?

The turnaround time for background checks in Oregon varies based on the type and scope of the search, as well as the screening provider. Typically, a standard criminal background check processed through the Oregon State Police can take between one to three business days. However, if employers conduct the screenings themselves, this process can extend up to 14 days.

How Much Does a Background Check in Oregon Cost?

The cost of a background check in Oregon can vary based on the depth and type of check. A basic criminal background check through the Oregon State Police costs around $33. More detailed checks, including employment and education verifications, can range from $50 to $100.

Where To Get A Background Check In Oregon?

There are several ways to get a background check in Oregon.

For official state checks, the Oregon State Police is a primary resource. They offer various background check services through their website and at physical locations. This is a reliable option for both individuals and employers.

Private background check companies also provide comprehensive services tailored to specific needs, like employment or tenant screening. These services often include additional features, such as faster processing times and detailed reports.

Local law enforcement agencies and third-party providers are also available for specific types of checks, like fingerprinting services.

Best Background Check Sites for National Searches

Finding the right background check service is crucial for obtaining accurate and comprehensive information. If you live in Oregon, but need to gather information from other states as well, background check services are the best option to find all information you need. Here are our top recommendations:

1. TruthFinder – Best for accuracy
2. Instant CheckMate – Best for affordability
3. BeenVerified – Best for simplicity

1

TruthFinder

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TruthFinder is well-known for its detailed and reliable background reports, making it a great choice for getting information in Oregon. It offers a wide range of data, including criminal records and contact details, helping you get a full understanding of the person you’re looking into.

Pros

• Very detailed reports
• Accurate information
• User-friendly interface

Cons

• Can be expensive
• Subscription-based service

Star Rating

/ 5.0

Visit

2

Instant CheckMate

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Instant CheckMate is ideal for those who need quick and affordable background checks in Oregon. It offers fast results and a user-friendly experience without compromising too much on the quality of information. This service is particularly useful for basic checks that require immediate results.

Pros

• Fast results
• Affordable pricing
• Simple to use

Cons

• Reports can be less detailed
• Customer service could be improved

Star Rating

/ 5.0

Visit

Final Note On Background Check Oregon

Understanding the background check laws in Oregon is important for both employers and applicants. These regulations ensure fair hiring practices, protect privacy, and help maintain a safe and trustworthy environment. Being familiar with these laws can make the background check process smoother and more transparent.

Background check sites are essential tools that offer detailed and trustworthy information crucial for making well-informed decisions. Whether employers are seeking to hire new workers or individuals need to verify someone’s background for personal reasons, these platforms provide comprehensive data. This data includes criminal records, employment history, education verification, and credit history. By accessing such information, users can ensure they are dealing with reliable individuals.