Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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Question:
What are the hours of operation?
Answer:
Internet hours: 7 days a week, 24 hours a day (including holiday). The website will not be available from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm on Sunday for system maintenance.
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Question:
What are your fees?
Answer:
State Background Check $26
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Question:
What form of payment is accepted?
Answer:
Via Internet: Visa, Master Card, Discover and American Express
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Question:
Who is authorized to receive a background request?
Answer:
Louisiana is a closed record state and our office only conducts background requests for agencies that are authorized to receive that information under RS 15:587.
Louisiana State Police/Criminal Records is not authorized to conduct a background request for immigration,litigations, residential/apartments, out of state housing authority, work visa or for personal use.
Out of state Employers may request background checks on their Employees. You will receive conviction information only.
Out of state Adoption Agencies may request background checks on prospective adoptive couples or foster parents. You will receive any arrest and conviction information.
*Please note: the Internet Background search is a name based background check and is not available to any agency that is mandated by law to provide fingerprints.
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Question:
What entities are allowed to utilize the IBC system?
Answer:
Authorized Agency (backgrounds for non-licenesed health care providers only)
Board of River Port Pilots
Day Cares (facilities caring for six or fewer children)
Department of Justice
Department of Labor
Health Care Providers
Office of Vital Statistics
Public Housing Commission
Senate and Governmental Affairs
Working with Children
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Question:
What is the processing time for a background request?
Answer:
If there is “no record” you should receive a response within 24 hrs. If fingerprints are requested the response will have to
be handled manually and may take approximately 15-21 business days.
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Question:
What is a name check?
Answer:
A name check is a request searched by the descriptive information provided.
The information includes name, race/sex, date of birth, social security number and
driver’s license number. Please ensure the information is legible and accurate.
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Question:
Why were my prints returned?
Answer:
Prints are returned for many reasons. The prints could be too dark, too light, not fully rolled, smudged, and hands or fingers may be switched. If the prints are returned, the applicant should be reprinted by representative from the local law
enforcement office and both sets of prints should be returned with all of the
attached papers. Additional payment is not needed at that time.
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Question:
Where is my background request?
Answer:
Our office conducts background requests for many different agencies. All requests are processed in the date order in which they are received. Depending on the type of background check, we may need to request additional information from an outside agency. This may cause a delay in the processing of an application. Our agency cannot complete a background request until this information has been thoroughly researched.
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Question:
Will this background request include information from other states?
Answer:
No. A background check by name only searches the State of Louisiana. If the
applicant has lived outside of Louisiana, we recommend your agency contact that
state as well.
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Question:
What type of response will I get?
Answer:
Internet Request-You will get 1 of 4 responses.
1 - No disqualifying information was found.
2 - Fingerprints are needed for verification.
3 - We have received your request but are experiencing a delay in processing
4 - Positive criminal history found
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Question:
Why are prints sometimes requested if a name check is submitted?
Answer:
Prints are the only accurate means to determine whether or not the information
found during the name search belongs to that particular applicant.
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Question:
What is meant by “Delay in Processing”?
Answer:
Delay in Processing could mean a number of different things. It is
possible there is a system problem. It could be that we have had to
request information from an outside agency. It may mean the record is not
automated and requires manual intervention. It is possible, after receiving a Delay
in Processing notice, you could still receive a “No Record “ response once the
request has been reviewed.
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Question:
How can I get a copy of my criminal record?
Answer:
An Individual may obtain a true copy of their criminal history by requesting a “Right to Review” in one of two ways:
In Person at this office (7919 Independence Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA):
You will need to bring a $26 money order, cashier’s check or business check for processing and a $10 money order, cashier’s check or business check for fingerprinting, both made out to the Dept of Public Safety (cash or personal checks will not be accepted). You will need to have a valid state issued ID or Drivers License. This service is available Monday thru Friday (excluding holidays) from 8:00 am to 3:30 pm. If you arrive before 3:00 pm you may wait and take your certified copy of the response with you but if you arrive after 3:00 pm your response will be mailed to you or you may return the next business day and pick it up.
By mail:
You must mail a set of fingerprints, an authorization form, a rap disclosure form (these forms must include the individuals complete name and address and they are available online at lsp.org) and a $26 money order, cashier’s check or business check (cash or personal checks will not be accepted) payable to the Dept of Public Safety to:
Bureau of Criminal Identification
P.O. Box 66614 Mail Slip A-6
Baton Rouge, LA 70896
Please Note: This mail process takes approx 15-21 business days from the time the payment is entered into our receipt system.
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Question:
How can an agency expedite a background request?
Answer:
Internet based name checks - Agencies authorized to use the Internet Based Background Check system can submit thier information via the internet and receive a response instantaneously provided there is no criminal history information.
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Question:
How many applicant backgrounds can I request at one time?
Answer:
The system allows up to twenty (20) background requests at a time with one credit card payment.
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Question:
How long do responses remain available for review?
Answer:
The system clears a response after fourteen (14) days. After this time, a new request with payment is required.
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