Criminal history record checks are sent to which entity?

Criminal history record checks are typically sent to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) because the FBI maintains a centralized database known as the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), which compiles criminal history information from various law enforcement agencies across the United States. The FBI is responsible for processing and storing this data, making it accessible for checks related to employment, licensing, and other inquiries where an individual's criminal record may be relevant.

When conducting a criminal history check, agencies or employers usually submit requests to the FBI to access this comprehensive database, thereby enabling a standardized approach to background checks across different jurisdictions. This centralization helps ensure consistency and accuracy in the information retrieved regarding an individual's criminal history.

In contrast, local law enforcement agencies generally have access only to the records within their jurisdictions, and while the Department of Justice plays a role in overall legal enforcement and may collect data, it is not the primary entity for conducting these checks. The National Security Agency primarily focuses on national security issues, including intelligence gathering, rather than criminal history records.