Wondering how are Mugshots & Background Checks related?
Background checks can be a great way to screen potential employees, landlords, or even dates. But what happens when a mugshot pops up in the search results?
While a mugshot may not necessarily be a deal-breaker, it can certainly give pause. So what do you need to know about mugshots and background checks? Read on to find out.
What are Mugshots?
Mugshots are simply photographs of a person’s face taken by law enforcement after that person has been arrested.
In the past, these photos were taken by police departments and then published in local newspapers.
Nowadays, with the excessive use of internet, they can be found on various websites.
Mugshots are public records in most jurisdictions, which means they can be found and accessed by anyone.
This includes background check companies. So, don’t be alarmed if a mugshot pops up in a background check of your potential new employee, tenant, or date.
Read: Difference Between Public and Private Data and Why It Matters
What do Mugshots Show?
In addition to a person’s photograph, a typical mugshot will also include some basic information about the individual, such as their name, date of birth, and the charges they are facing.
Most mugshots are taken shortly after a person’s arrest, so they may also show signs of physical injury or distress.
What do Mugshots Mean?
Simply put, a mugshot is an evidence that a person has been arrested by law enforcement.
This does not mean that the person is guilty of the crime they have been accused of, as many people are arrested and then released without being charged.
However, a mugshot can indicate someone’s criminal history, and it may give you some insight into their character.
If you’re conducting a background check, it’s always a good idea to take a closer look at any mugshots that come up in the search results.
Why Do Mugshots Come Up in Background Checks?
When you run a background check on someone, there’s a good chance that you’ll see their mugshot come up in the search results. So why do mugshots come up in background checks?
There are a few reasons why mugshots might appear in a background check.
For one, mugshots are public records in most jurisdictions, which means anyone can access them. This includes background check companies.
Secondly, mugshots are often included in criminal records. When you run a background check, the search results will typically include any criminal records that the person has.
And since mugshots are taken shortly after an arrest, they can often be found in criminal records.
Finally, mugshots can be an indicator of someone’s criminal history. A mugshot is an evidence that a person has been arrested by law enforcement, which can indicate their criminal history.
So if you’re conducting a background check, it’s always a good idea to take a closer look at any mugshots that come up in the search results.
Also Read: Everything You Need To Know About A Background Check
Final Thoughts
Mugshots can be a valuable piece of information when you’re conducting a background check.
While they don’t necessarily mean that the person is guilty of a crime, they can be an indicator of their criminal history.
So if you see a mugshot in the search results, it’s worth taking the time to investigate further.
People Also Ask For
Can a muhshot be taken wearing glasses?
For someone who wears glasses, two types of mugshots can be taken. One with glasses and another without them to prevent glare from external illumination.
How long does background check reports take?
A background check report may take 1-7 days or even more, depend on the type of information you need, the background check platform that you have chosen, etc.
Shefali Jain is a Content Writer & Editor at USWorkforce.org
After completing her graduation in hospitality, Shefali decided to follow her passion and started writing. Shefali has been writing for two years now and contributes to our website as a skilled editor and content writer with strong research skills. Writing product and service reviews, biographies, and book reviews are some of her key areas, among many others in which she specializes. In her time at the organization, she has written and edited content on a range of topics, including employment law, human resources, and business management.
