What is a BCI Background Check?

Michelle Wilson - July 6, 2023

Background checks offer valuable insights into an individual’s prior criminal activities that may not be easily accessible through other means of identity verification. For this reason, the background check has become a standard process for validating credentials and mitigating fraud in situations ranging from selecting a new tenant to conducting a job hire. Online data in one study highlighted this importance by stating that 96% of employers said they conduct at least one type of background check.

Regardless of your situation, conducting thorough background checks can help you make informed decisions if you know when and how to use them.

BCI Background Check, Defined

Within the realm of background checks, one type you will come across is the BCI background check. The BCI background check is a comprehensive criminal history review conducted by the Bureau of Criminal Investigation and focuses on records in a specific state. When authorities conduct this check, they search and analyze various criminal databases to gather information about an individual’s criminal history and any related records. The state criminal justice system conducts BCI background checks through a dedicated unit responsible for identifying and investigating all criminal activities within the state’s jurisdiction. It is the role of this unit to do as much digging as necessary to uncover any potential red flags that may impact an individual’s eligibility for employment, licensing, or other opportunities.

The BCI then sends their findings to authorized entities, including employers and government offices, so they can use them to make their own informed decisions.

Why a BCI Background Check Is Worth Taking

As useful as they are, BCI background checks are not an overnight process. For example, Ohio, one of the states that conduct a BCI background check, reports an average response time from the BCI to the requester of between 5 and 7 days, although it may take up to 45 days to process. With such a long wait time, hiring companies greatly extend their hiring process, and landlords have the time to fill their space. So, is it worth it?

Public data from First Advantage 2022 shares that 38% of companies perform checks like this to minimize future criminal activity, while 27% do it to fulfill regulatory compliance mandates. Still, others agree it is simply another way to ensure the safety of your business or organization.

What Information Can You Get From a BCI Check

A BCI will generally reveal a person’s criminal convictions and other relevant offenses within the designated jurisdiction. Although these are a few convictions this may pull up, some of the most common include:

• Misdemeanors: Misdemeanors are criminal offenses with lower severity since they are non-violent in nature, with common examples including smaller accounts of theft and public intoxication.
• Felonies: Felonies are more serious since these offenses are violent and can hurt others. Common examples include murder, robbery and rape.
• Traffic Violations: Traffic violations are important in roles where someone is responsible for the lives of others, such as a school bus driver. These violations refer to infractions committed while operating a car, bike, or similar mode of transportation and may include any occurrences of reckless driving.

The timeframe for the background check typically spans the past seven years, offering a reasonable view of an individual’s recent criminal history. By considering this information, employers can make informed decisions regarding the suitability of candidates for various roles or positions, ensuring the safety and integrity of their workplace.

Industries That May Conduct a BCI Background Check

With a clear understanding of a BCI background check, the logical next question is, what roles or industries are you likely to come across this type of review? Typically, any position in which employees or volunteers are responsible for the care and safety of vulnerable individuals, such as children, will require a BCI check. One example is a role with the local school board.

A second industry where one might come across a BCI background check is the medical field involves daily interactions with sick individuals, making it crucial to prioritize the selection of trustworthy professionals. Consider that the absence of a background check may put patients’ lives at risk, hurting the reputation of the practice.

Steps in Conducting a BCI Background Check

Although the process may differ slightly, public data suggests that 82% of organizations follow the same standard steps beginning with consent. Since each organization must maintain compliance with privacy laws, the party conducting the test must ensure that they properly inform the person of the impending BCI background check.

After the person gives consent, the firm can begin collecting identifying details about the individual, including their full name, date of birth, and any other information required for the search. With these details, the BCI can search state databases and records, including criminal records databases, law enforcement agency collaboration and court records, gather these findings, and present them back to the requester.

How Do You Fail a BCI Background Check?

With over 70 million people in America having a criminal record, according to online data in a 2021 study, it becomes clear why BCI background checks are such a common query. Unfortunately, despite so many asks, there is no clear way of determining if a person will pass or fail a background check since it is up to the company how they will react to findings. That said, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission does provide employers guidelines to make the background check as fair as possible.

That said, severe offenses are likely to catch the attention of employers, many of whom will view each as a liability or safety risk. If you have a criminal record, it is crucial to be proactive and prepare a response that addresses your past, providing references that can support your ability to contribute value to a company. Demonstrating that your convictions are in the past and do not impede your skills can help alleviate concerns.

Making a Decision

When making an adverse employment decision based on background information obtained from a background screening company, adhering to additional requirements set forth by the Fair Credit Reporting Act is crucial. Before not hiring an applicant or terminating an employee, you must provide the individual with a notice, including a copy of the consumer report you used to make the decision. Additionally, you must provide the individual with a copy of a person’s rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

These requirements ensure transparency and fairness in the background check process, allowing individuals to review the information used to make employment decisions and understand their rights under the FCRA.

Engage In All Interactions Honestly

Conducting a BCI background check is a standard procedure in the hiring process for numerous jobs. If you have reached this stage and have been transparent with your prospective employer, there is typically no need to worry about what employers examine in a background check. However, if you have previous criminal history, be ready to address any potential inaccuracies and highlight your strengths. As you read up on the ins and outs of this type of check, you will likely have the background necessary to explain your side and take on the role you set out to when you wrote your application.