Getting access to an Alaska background check that will give useful results is a simpler process than in other states. However, if you have been trying to figure out how to go about it and have come up empty handed, let me assure you it’s not a shortcoming on your part. Rather, it’s because the system in place in Alaska, like in many other states, isn’t always designed for ease of access to the consumer. Nonetheless, if you know where to look, finding complete and useful records is relatively simple.
Your first consideration for acquiring Alaska records should be the Alaska Criminal Records & Identification Bureau (R&I). This agency maintains the state’s central directory of criminal history information records, and is responsible for who can view the records and how. Records included are only criminal and include the following:
- Current or open criminal charges
- Charges that resulted in convictions
To get this information you can begin by submitting a request using either a name based search for a non-refundable $20, or a fingerprint search which is $35. That’s all great, but there is one little problem, to view another person’s record, you have to get them to sign a form authorizing you to snoop around in their file. I’m sure you can see the problem here.
Providing John Smith does give you permission, the background check form than has to be sent by snail mail back to the Alaska Criminal Records & Identification Bureau. Of course, name searches are based on exact matches only and if you get it wrong, the money is gone. There are also fingerprint searches which certainly help avoid misidentification…but again you have additional costs plus a fingerprint card you need to obtain from a law enforcement agency.
To my thinking this system is a little strange because you can acquire very comprehensive background checks using an online consumer service such as USSearch or Intelius. No doubt this is an oversight so take advantage while you can. Below we have included links to the best resources we could find for conducting background checks in Alaska. They all point to very specific types of searches so you will not have to click around for 10 minutes looking for a place to enter your information. As usual we stand behind our recommendations and that includes these Alaska background check products. However, be advised that at times not even the top companies will have the records you need.
