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Running Background Checks in Missouri: Methods, Costs, and Steps

Exploring Background Check Options in Missouri

Conducting a background check is a prudent step to ensure safety and make informed decisions in personal and professional relationships. In Missouri, there are multiple ways to run background checks, each with its own process, costs, and turnaround times. Let's explore the methods available and the specific laws governing background checks and privacy in the state.



Methods to Run Background Checks in Missouri

Contact the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP): The MSHP serves as the central repository for all Missouri criminal history records. You can request a criminal background check online or by mail through the MSHP. This method provides access to statewide criminal history records.

Use a Third-Party Background Check Provider: Numerous companies offer background check services with access to a wider range of records, including criminal history from other states and federal records. These providers may offer faster turnaround times but typically charge higher fees.

Self-Background Check through MSHP: The MSHP offers a self-service background check portal, allowing individuals to search their own criminal history records.

Cost and Turnaround Time

Understanding the Financial and Time Investment

The cost and turnaround time for background checks in Missouri depend on the chosen method.

MSHP Background Check: For a name-based search, the MSHP charges a fee of $25, while a fingerprint-based search costs $50. Name-based searches are usually completed within 24 hours, whereas fingerprint-based searches may take 7-10 business days.

Third-Party Providers: The fees for background checks through third-party providers vary, and they typically offer quicker results than MSHP.



Running a Background Check through the MSHP

Step-by-Step Guide

Running a background check through the Missouri State Highway Patrol follows a simple process:

Visit the MACHS Website: Go to the Missouri Automated Criminal History Site (MACHS) at.

Access the Name Search Portal: Click on the "Name Search Portal" tab.

Enter Applicant's Information: Input the applicant's full name and date of birth.

Initiate the Search: Click on the "Search" button to initiate the background check.

Review the Results: Once the search is complete, carefully review the results provided by the MSHP.



Missouri Laws Governing Background Checks and Privacy

Missouri has specific laws in place to regulate background checks and protect individuals' privacy rights:

Missouri Ban-the-Box Ordinance: This ordinance applies to employers in the City of St. Louis with 10 or more employees. It prohibits the inquiry about an applicant's criminal history on job applications until after the interview, except when conducting background checks on the final pool of candidates.

Missouri Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA): Similar to the federal FCRA, this law safeguards consumers' privacy rights concerning background checks conducted by consumer reporting agencies (CRAs). Employers must provide consumers with a copy of their background check report and a summary of their rights under the law.

Missouri Open Records Law: This law grants the public access to certain government records, including criminal history records. However, some records may be exempt, such as those that are sealed or expunged.

Federal Laws: In addition to state laws, federal laws like the FCRA and the Equal Employment Opportunity Act (EEOC) also apply to background checks in Missouri. The FCRA establishes requirements for CRAs' information collection and use, while the EEOC prohibits discrimination based on an applicant's criminal history.

Conducting background checks in Missouri is essential to ensure personal and community safety, as well as make informed decisions in various situations. By understanding the available methods, costs, and laws governing background checks, individuals and employers can protect their interests, comply with regulations, and foster a safer environment for everyone involved.



Crime Rates in Missouri: Understanding the Numbers and the Importance of Background Checks for Personal Safety

Crime rates in any state are a vital aspect of public safety, impacting the lives of individuals and communities. In Missouri, the data reveals a mixed landscape of crime rates, with certain areas experiencing higher incidents than the national average. Understanding these crime statistics is essential, but taking proactive steps to stay safe is equally important. One effective measure to enhance personal safety is by running background checks. Let's delve into the crime rates in Missouri and explore why background checks can be a crucial tool in safeguarding ourselves and our loved ones.

Analyzing Crime Rates in Missouri

Violent Crime Rate: Violent crime encompasses heinous offenses like murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault. In Missouri, the violent crime rate stands at 5.35 incidents per 1,000 residents, which exceeds the national average of 4.5 per 1,000 residents. This statistic indicates the urgency of addressing violent crime in the state.

Property Crime Rate: Property crime involves offenses like burglary, larceny-theft, and motor vehicle theft. Missouri's property crime rate is 23.78 incidents per 1,000 residents, also higher than the national average of 22.7 per 1,000 residents.

Cities with High Crime Rates

Identifying High-Crime Areas

Certain cities in Missouri face higher crime rates compared to others. The top 10 cities with the highest crime rates in the state include:

  • St. Louis
  • Kansas City
  • Springfield
  • Independence
  • Columbia
  • Joplin
  • Cape Girardeau
  • Florissant
  • St. Joseph
  • Crime Rates by Type

A Closer Look at Crime Types

Understanding the incidence of specific crimes in Missouri provides valuable insights into public safety. The crime rates per 100,000 residents in Missouri are as follows:

  • Murder: 2.2
  • Rape: 37.3
  • Robbery: 121.7
  • Aggravated Assault: 232.8
  • Burglary: 739.3
  • Larceny-theft: 1,467.1
  • Motor Vehicle Theft: 66.7


Why Running a Background Check is Essential for Personal Safety

Empowering Personal Safety with Background Checks

Given the varying crime rates across Missouri, it's crucial to prioritize personal safety and that of our communities. Running background checks can be a valuable tool to make informed decisions and protect ourselves:

Knowledge is Power: Background checks reveal an individual's criminal history, providing vital information to make safer choices in personal and professional relationships.

Enhanced Hiring Decisions: For employers, background checks help assess the suitability of job applicants and maintain a secure work environment.

Choosing Safe Neighborhoods: Background checks assist individuals in researching crime rates in potential neighborhoods, ensuring a safer living environment.

Preventing Vulnerability: By knowing the background of individuals we engage with, we reduce the risk of becoming victims of fraudulent or criminal activities.

While crime rates in Missouri may fluctuate, prioritizing personal safety remains a constant concern. Understanding the crime data and the areas most impacted can help individuals take precautionary measures. Running background checks can be a powerful way to protect ourselves, our loved ones, and our communities from potential risks. By making informed decisions and being proactive, we contribute to the collective effort of creating a safer and more secure environment in the state of Missouri.