Criminal Background Check NC: Complete Guide & Free Search

Understanding North Carolina Criminal Records

North Carolina maintains comprehensive criminal records through multiple state and county agencies. If you need to conduct a criminal background check in NC, understanding which databases to search and what information is publicly available can save you significant time and money.

North Carolina criminal records include arrest records, court documents, conviction histories, sex offender registry information, and incarceration records. The state operates under public records laws that make most criminal information accessible to the general public, though certain juvenile and sealed records remain protected.

The North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts (NCAOC) maintains the primary database for court records, while the Department of Public Safety manages corrections and sex offender information. County sheriff's offices also maintain arrest records and booking information that may not immediately appear in state databases.

The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) serves as the central repository for criminal information in the state. The SBI's Criminal Information and Identification Section stores arrests, convictions, and court outcomes reported across North Carolina. This centralized system allows law enforcement agencies and authorized entities to access comprehensive criminal history data through fingerprint-based searches.

Free Methods to Search NC Criminal Records

Several official government resources provide free access to North Carolina criminal background information. The most comprehensive approach involves searching multiple databases since no single source contains all criminal records.

North Carolina Court System Search

The NCAOC provides free online access to civil and criminal court records through their public access portal. You can search by name, case number, or file date across all 100 North Carolina counties. This database includes pending cases, historical court records, judgments, and case dispositions. The system updates regularly but may have a delay of several days for recent filings.

For those who need physical access, public self-service terminals are located at clerk of court offices in every county. These terminals allow you to search for criminal cases by defendant name, case number, or even victim or witness name. While online searches provide convenient access, visiting a clerk's office in person gives you access to complete paper files and the ability to request certified copies of documents.

NC Sex Offender Registry

The North Carolina Sex Offender and Public Protection Registration Program maintains a searchable database of registered sex offenders. You can search by name, address, or view offenders within a specific geographic area. This registry includes photographs, physical descriptions, addresses, conviction details, and vehicle information for registered offenders.

NC Department of Public Safety Inmate Search

The NC DPS Offender Public Information system allows you to search for current and former inmates in the state prison system. You can search by name, offender number, or other identifying information. Results show custody status, facility location, projected release dates, and conviction information. This database contains historical information dating back to 1972, providing extensive coverage of North Carolina's correctional history. Note that this database does not include county jail information, which must be obtained separately from individual county facilities.

County Sheriff and Police Records

Each North Carolina county maintains its own arrest and booking records. Many sheriff's offices provide online inmate searches and arrest logs. For example, Wake County, Mecklenburg County, and Guilford County all offer searchable databases. However, smaller counties may require in-person visits or phone calls to access records.

Local police departments and sheriff's offices typically maintain daily arrest logs showing recent bookings within their jurisdiction. These local records often contain the most current arrest information, as there can be delays before arrests are processed into state databases. Some counties offer robust online search portals, while others may only provide basic inmate rosters or require direct contact with the agency.

Using Galadon's Criminal Records Search Tool

While official government databases provide valuable information, they require searching multiple websites and often lack user-friendly interfaces. Our Criminal Records Search tool aggregates data from sex offender registries, corrections records, arrest records, and court records nationwide into a single search.

The tool searches across North Carolina and all other states simultaneously, providing comprehensive results in seconds rather than requiring manual searches of dozens of individual databases. This is particularly useful when conducting background checks on individuals who may have lived in multiple states or when you need quick verification.

For employment screening, tenant verification, or personal safety research, having access to a consolidated criminal records search saves hours of research time. The tool is completely free to use and doesn't require creating an account for basic searches.

North Carolina SBI Background Check Process

The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation offers fingerprint-based criminal background checks that provide the most comprehensive and accurate results. Understanding the SBI background check process is essential for employers, licensing entities, and individuals seeking official records.

Types of SBI Background Checks

The SBI provides several types of background checks depending on your needs and authorization. Personal background checks allow individuals to review their own criminal history record, also known as the Right to Review process. This requires submitting fingerprints, completing a request form, and paying a fee of $14.

For employers and licensing entities with statutory authority, the SBI conducts more comprehensive checks that can include both state and national criminal history searches. These fingerprint-based searches access the SBI's Computerized Criminal History file and can be forwarded to the FBI for national searches. The combined state and national background check currently costs $38.

How to Request an SBI Background Check

To request a personal background check from the SBI, you must obtain fingerprints at your local law enforcement agency on an FD-258 Applicant Fingerprint Card. A complete set of legible fingerprints including all ten fingers is required. The SBI makes exceptions only for finger amputations and other deformities.

You'll need to mail the fingerprint card, completed request form, and payment of $14 (certified check or money order only, no cash or personal checks) to the SBI at their Raleigh address. Only US Mail is accepted for these requests. If any required items are missing or incomplete, your request will be returned. The SBI sends results directly to you by first-class mail and does not use overnight or expedited shipping services.

Processing times vary depending on current volume, but applicants should expect to wait several weeks for results. The SBI's website provides estimated processing timelines showing which dates are currently being processed, helping you gauge when to expect your results.

Live Scan Electronic Fingerprinting

Many North Carolina licensing boards and employers now use Live Scan technology for fingerprint submission. Live Scan is digital fingerprinting that transmits impressions electronically to the SBI and FBI for processing, eliminating the need for traditional ink-and-paper fingerprint cards.

Law enforcement agencies equipped with Live Scan technology can capture your fingerprints digitally and transmit them immediately. This method typically results in faster processing times and reduces errors from poor-quality fingerprints. When using Live Scan, you'll need to bring required forms from the requesting agency or licensing board, and the law enforcement personnel will complete the electronic transmission process.

What Shows Up on a North Carolina Criminal Background Check

Understanding what information appears on NC criminal background checks helps you interpret results correctly and know what to expect when conducting searches.

Felony Convictions

All felony convictions in North Carolina are public record and will appear on criminal background checks indefinitely unless expunged. This includes details about the offense, conviction date, sentencing information, and case disposition. Felonies are classified from Class A (most serious) to Class I (least serious) in North Carolina. Class A felonies can result in life imprisonment or the death penalty, while lower-class felonies carry progressively lighter sentences.

Misdemeanor Convictions

Misdemeanor convictions also appear on criminal background checks and remain public unless expunged. North Carolina classifies misdemeanors as Class A1, 1, 2, or 3. Common misdemeanors include simple assault, trespassing, shoplifting, and DWI offenses. Even minor misdemeanors remain on your record permanently unless you successfully petition for expungement.

Pending Criminal Charges

Active warrants and pending criminal cases appear in court databases even before conviction. These records show the charges filed, court dates, and case status. A pending charge does not indicate guilt, as defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. However, pending charges will show up on background checks and may impact employment or housing decisions.

Arrest Records

Arrest records may appear even if charges were later dismissed or if the person was found not guilty. North Carolina law allows for expungement of arrest records in certain circumstances, particularly for dismissed charges or not guilty verdicts after specific waiting periods. Local law enforcement agencies maintain arrest logs that are considered public records, and these may be accessible even before formal charges are filed.

Incarceration History

Prison and jail records show where someone was incarcerated, the duration of confinement, and the offense that led to imprisonment. This information remains accessible even after release. The NC Department of Public Safety maintains comprehensive records of state prison inmates, but county jail records must be accessed separately from individual county facilities.

NC Criminal Record Expungement

North Carolina law allows certain criminal records to be expunged, meaning they are removed from public access. Understanding expungement rules is important when interpreting background check results.

Expungement eligibility depends on factors including the type of offense, when it occurred, whether charges were dismissed, and the person's criminal history. Common scenarios eligible for expungement include dismissed charges after a waiting period, certain non-violent misdemeanors after specific timeframes, and some felonies under particular conditions.

Successfully expunged records should not appear in public criminal database searches. However, law enforcement and certain government agencies may still access expunged records for specific purposes. If you're conducting background checks for employment or housing decisions, be aware that the absence of records may indicate expungement rather than a clean history.

Recent Changes to North Carolina Expungement Laws

North Carolina's Second Chance Act significantly expanded expungement eligibility. The law allows for expungement of up to three non-violent felony convictions, multiple non-violent misdemeanor convictions, dismissed charges, not guilty verdicts, and certain offenses committed before age 18.

Waiting periods for expungement have been substantially reduced. Non-violent misdemeanor convictions now require a five-year waiting period after sentence completion (including probation), down from the previous 15-year requirement. Non-violent felony convictions require a ten-year waiting period. Dismissed charges and not guilty verdicts have no waiting period and must be granted if you meet the eligibility requirements.

For charges dismissed or resulting in not guilty verdicts, North Carolina law now provides for automatic expungement in many cases. When all charges in a case are dismissed, these dismissed charges should be automatically expunged from a person's record. However, individuals may still need to file petitions for older dismissed charges that occurred before the automatic expungement provisions took effect.

The Expungement Process

To expunge a criminal record in North Carolina, you must file a petition with the clerk of court in the county where you were charged or convicted. The North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts provides specific forms for different types of expungements based on the offense type, your age at the time of the offense, and whether the case resulted in conviction.

The filing fee for most expungements is $175, though expungements of dismissals or not guilty verdicts typically have no filing fee. Some expungement petitions require additional documents, such as affidavits of good character from people who know you. The instruction sheets for each petition form explain what additional documents may be required.

The expungement process typically takes between nine and twelve months in North Carolina. After you file your petition, the court reviews it and may schedule a hearing. The district attorney receives notice and has an opportunity to object. If the court grants the expungement, it orders all agencies bearing record of the conviction or charge to expunge their records. The clerk then notifies state and local agencies of the court's order.

What Cannot Be Expunged

Not every offense is eligible for expungement in North Carolina. Violent misdemeanors and violent felonies generally cannot be expunged. Offenses involving impaired driving (DWI) are not eligible for expungement, even if they would otherwise qualify as non-violent misdemeanors. Traffic offenses also face restrictions on expungement eligibility.

Certain sex offenses and crimes against minors face permanent restrictions on expungement. Additionally, if you have already received an expungement for certain types of offenses, you may be limited in your ability to expunge additional convictions depending on the specific expungement statutes involved.

Legal Requirements for NC Background Checks

Before conducting criminal background checks in North Carolina, understand the legal requirements and restrictions, especially for employment and housing purposes.

Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) Compliance

If you're an employer or landlord using background checks for decision-making purposes, you must comply with the FCRA. This federal law requires written consent before conducting background checks, providing applicants with copies of reports if adverse action is taken, and allowing opportunities to dispute inaccurate information.

Consumer reporting agencies that provide background check services must follow strict accuracy and privacy requirements. If you're using a professional background check service rather than conducting manual searches, ensure they're FCRA-compliant. The FCRA also imposes specific requirements on how long certain types of information can be reported. Bankruptcies can be reported for ten years, while most other adverse information has a seven-year reporting limit, though this may not apply to positions with salaries of $75,000 or more.

Ban the Box Laws

North Carolina does not have a statewide ban the box law prohibiting criminal history questions on initial job applications for private employers. However, Executive Order 158 applies to state agencies under the governor's authority, prohibiting them from asking about criminal history on applications or before the first interview.

Under Executive Order 158, state agencies cannot consider pardoned or expunged records, arrests that did not result in convictions, charges that do not relate to the available positions, and charges for which people were found not guilty or charges that were dismissed. State agencies must give applicants the opportunity to explain circumstances surrounding convictions and cannot conduct background checks before an applicant's initial interview.

While this executive order currently only applies to state government jobs, many private employers have adopted similar ban the box policies as best practices. Some North Carolina cities and counties have implemented local restrictions as well.

Discrimination Considerations

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) guidelines state that blanket policies excluding all individuals with criminal records may constitute discrimination. Employers should consider the nature of the offense, how long ago it occurred, and its relevance to the position when making decisions based on criminal history.

The EEOC requires employers who conduct criminal background checks to make individualized assessments. This means considering the type of offense, how serious it was, how long ago it was committed, and the nature of the job. Employers should also give applicants with criminal records an opportunity to explain the circumstances and provide mitigating information showing why they should not be excluded based on the offense.

Industry-Specific Requirements

Certain North Carolina employers are required by state law to conduct background checks on applicants. Businesses that provide child care services, health care services, mental health service providers, substance abuse treatment providers, and companies that serve disabled individuals are all required to perform background checks on new hires.

As of recent legislation, all counties and cities in North Carolina must require criminal history record checks conducted by the SBI for applicants for positions that require working with children in any capacity. This requirement applies to positions where employees will be responsible for supervising, transporting, interviewing, teaching, coaching, helping, or caring for individuals under age 18. This includes social workers, nurses, parks and recreation staff, EMS employees, librarians, and similar roles.

Lookback Periods and Reporting Limits

North Carolina does not impose a state-level limit on the lookback period for criminal history in employment background checks. This means employers can view accessible criminal history information for as far back as records exist. However, employers working with consumer reporting agencies must comply with federal FCRA limitations on reporting periods.

Under the FCRA, most adverse information other than criminal convictions has a seven-year reporting limit. This includes civil suits, civil judgments, paid tax liens, collection accounts, and arrest records that did not result in conviction. Criminal convictions can be reported indefinitely in North Carolina. The seven-year limitation may not apply to positions with salaries of $75,000 or more.

Employer Background Check Requirements

North Carolina employers conducting pre-employment background checks must navigate both federal and state legal requirements while ensuring they obtain accurate, complete information about job candidates.

Obtaining Candidate Consent

Before conducting any background check, employers must obtain written consent from the job candidate. This requirement comes from the Fair Credit Reporting Act and applies to all background checks conducted through third-party consumer reporting agencies. The consent must be clear, conspicuous, and on a standalone document separate from the employment application.

Employers must also provide candidates with a clear disclosure that a background check will be conducted. This disclosure should explain what types of information will be searched and how the information will be used in the hiring decision.

Adverse Action Process

If an employer plans to take adverse action (such as not hiring a candidate) based on information in a background check report, they must follow a specific process. First, the employer must provide the candidate with a pre-adverse action notice, a copy of the background check report, and a summary of rights under the FCRA.

The candidate must be given a reasonable period (typically five business days) to review the report and dispute any inaccurate information. After this waiting period, if the employer still decides to take adverse action, they must provide a final adverse action notice informing the candidate of the decision and their rights to dispute the report with the consumer reporting agency.

Certified Background Checks Through County Clerks

For official purposes, employers can request certified criminal record searches through the clerk of superior court office at county courthouses. These certified searches cover court records in a single county and are not statewide searches. To request a certified background check, you must complete Form AOC-CR-314 and submit it to the clerk's office with a fee of $25.

Payment can be made via money order or certified check by mail (personal checks are not accepted for mail requests), or by credit card, cash, money order, or certified check in person. This certified search provides an official document that can be used for employment verification, licensing applications, and other purposes requiring authenticated records.

Step-by-Step Guide to Conducting a NC Criminal Background Check

Follow this systematic approach to conduct thorough criminal background checks in North Carolina:

Step 1: Gather identifying information. Collect the person's full legal name, date of birth, and any known addresses in North Carolina. Having accurate identifying information prevents confusion with individuals who have similar names. If possible, obtain the person's middle name or middle initial, as this helps distinguish between people with common names.

Step 2: Search the NC court system. Visit the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts public access portal and search by name. Review all results carefully, checking dates of birth or addresses to confirm you've identified the correct person. Document case numbers for detailed records. Remember that you can access more comprehensive information by visiting public terminals at any county clerk's office.

Step 3: Check the sex offender registry. Search the NC Sex Offender Registry by name and location. This database is separate from court records and may contain information not found elsewhere. The registry is maintained by the State Bureau of Investigation and includes photographs, addresses, and conviction details for registered offenders.

Step 4: Search corrections records. Use the NC Department of Public Safety Offender Public Information system to search for any incarceration history in state prisons. This database includes historical information back to 1972 and shows custody status, projected release dates, and conviction information for current and former inmates.

Step 5: Review county records. For any counties where the person has lived, check county sheriff websites for arrest records and jail bookings. These local records may show recent arrests not yet processed through state systems. Major counties like Wake, Mecklenburg, and Guilford offer online search portals, while smaller counties may require phone calls or in-person visits.

Step 6: Consider using aggregated search tools. To save time and ensure comprehensive coverage, use tools like our Criminal Records Search that compile information from multiple sources simultaneously. This approach is particularly valuable when you need to search multiple states or when time is limited.

Step 7: Verify and document findings. Cross-reference information across sources to ensure accuracy. Document where you found each piece of information and when you conducted the search. Note any discrepancies between different databases and verify identifying details to ensure you've located records for the correct individual.

Common Challenges When Searching NC Criminal Records

Several obstacles can complicate criminal background searches in North Carolina. Being aware of these challenges helps you conduct more effective research.

Name Variations and Common Names

Individuals with common names or those who have used multiple name variations present identification challenges. Someone named Michael Johnson may have records under Mike Johnson, M. Johnson, or with a middle name. Always search multiple name variations and use identifying information like birth dates to confirm you've found the correct person. Married individuals may have records under both maiden and married names.

Multi-Jurisdiction Records

People who have lived in multiple counties or states may have criminal records scattered across numerous databases. A comprehensive background check requires searching each jurisdiction individually unless you're using an aggregated search tool that compiles multi-state information. The NC SBI state-level searches only cover North Carolina offenses and will not show criminal history from other states.

Reporting Delays

Recent arrests may not immediately appear in online databases. Court systems typically process records within days or weeks, but delays can occur. If you need the most current information, consider calling the county clerk's office directly. County sheriff arrest logs often contain the most recent booking information before it enters statewide systems.

Sealed and Expunged Records

Expunged records are removed from public access and won't appear in standard searches. This means a clean background check might reflect successful expungement rather than the absence of criminal history. Only certain government agencies can access expunged records. When expungement is granted, the person can legally deny the arrest or conviction occurred, and employers are prohibited from asking about expunged offenses.

Record Accuracy Issues

Criminal background check reports may contain errors, including information on convictions that have been expunged, misclassification of crimes, multiple listings of the same offense, incomplete information (such as failing to report that charges were dismissed), and even records that belong to another person with the same name. This is why the FCRA requires employers to give candidates opportunities to dispute inaccurate information before taking adverse action.

Understanding North Carolina's 100 Counties

North Carolina's 100 counties each maintain their own court systems and local criminal records. The state's largest counties by population - Mecklenburg, Wake, Guilford, Forsyth, and Durham - have the most developed online record systems and typically offer comprehensive search portals.

Smaller rural counties may have limited online access to records and may require in-person visits or phone calls to obtain arrest and booking information. When conducting statewide searches, remember that someone could have records in any county where they've lived, worked, or been arrested, making comprehensive searches challenging without aggregated tools.

Cost Considerations for NC Background Checks

The cost of conducting criminal background checks in North Carolina varies significantly depending on the method used and the scope of the search. Free options exist through official government websites, but these require manual searching of multiple databases and can be time-consuming.

Certified county-level background checks through clerk of court offices cost $25 per county searched. Statewide fingerprint-based background checks through the NC SBI cost $14 for personal review or $38 for combined state and national searches. Employers using professional consumer reporting agencies typically pay fees ranging from $20 to $100 or more per candidate depending on the comprehensiveness of the search.

For organizations that need regular access to court records, the NCAOC offers a Remote Public Access program with a one-time connection fee of $495 (including two user IDs) and ongoing usage fees. This provides online access to criminal and civil information from all 100 North Carolina counties, though it's typically only cost-effective for organizations conducting frequent searches.

Additional Tools for Comprehensive Background Research

Criminal records represent just one component of thorough background research. Depending on your needs, consider supplementing criminal searches with additional verification tools.

For employment screening or business partnerships, our Background Checker tool provides comprehensive background reports with trust scores that aggregate criminal records, professional history, and other public information into a single report.

When you need to verify someone's contact information or professional background, our Email Verifier and Email Finder tools can help confirm identity and current contact details, which is useful when conducting follow-up research or verification. The Mobile Number Finder can help locate current phone numbers for individuals you're researching.

For property-related background checks, our Property Search tool finds property owner names, phone numbers, emails, and address history for any US address, which can be valuable for tenant screening or verifying residential history.

When to Use Professional Background Check Services

While free criminal record searches are valuable for preliminary research and personal use, certain situations warrant professional background screening services.

Employers conducting pre-employment background checks should typically use FCRA-compliant consumer reporting agencies that provide verified, formatted reports and handle legal compliance requirements. These services also conduct more extensive searches including credit checks, employment verification, and education verification that go beyond criminal records.

Professional background check services offer several advantages over manual searches. They provide standardized reports that are easier to review and compare across candidates. They handle the complex legal requirements of the FCRA, including proper disclosure, consent, and adverse action processes. They also typically offer faster turnaround times and more comprehensive multi-jurisdiction searches.

Landlords screening high-value rental properties, organizations working with vulnerable populations, and businesses entering significant partnerships may also benefit from professional services that include identity verification and nationwide database searches. These services often include verification of Social Security numbers, address history, and cross-referencing of information to ensure accuracy.

For most personal use cases, volunteer screening, or preliminary research, free tools and official government databases provide sufficient information without the cost of professional services. Personal safety research, checking on neighbors, or verifying information about someone you're dating typically don't require the expense of professional background check services.

Privacy and Ethical Considerations

When conducting background checks in North Carolina, consider both the legal requirements and the ethical implications of how you use criminal record information. Remember that criminal records represent past mistakes and may not reflect a person's current character or circumstances.

For employment decisions, focus on whether criminal history is actually relevant to the job duties and responsibilities. A minor theft conviction from ten years ago may have little bearing on someone's ability to perform many jobs. The EEOC guidelines encourage employers to consider rehabilitation, time elapsed since the offense, and the relationship between the conviction and the job requirements.

Be aware that criminal records are public information, but using this information to harass, discriminate against, or publicly shame individuals may have legal consequences. Use background check information responsibly and only for legitimate purposes such as employment screening, tenant selection, or personal safety.

Interpreting Background Check Results

Understanding how to read and interpret criminal background check results is crucial for making informed decisions. Criminal records often contain legal terminology and codes that may be unfamiliar to those outside the legal profession.

Case dispositions tell you the outcome of criminal charges. Common dispositions include guilty, not guilty, dismissed, nolle prosequi (prosecutor chose not to pursue), and deferred prosecution. Pay attention to these outcomes, as arrests or charges that did not result in convictions should be weighted differently in your decision-making.

Sentence information shows what punishment was imposed for convictions. This may include prison time, probation, fines, restitution, community service, or other conditions. Understanding the sentence can provide context about the severity of the offense and how the court viewed it.

Probation status and compliance can be important factors. Someone who successfully completed probation demonstrates rehabilitation, while violations may indicate ongoing issues. The NC Department of Public Safety maintains information about probation and parole status for individuals under supervision.

Resources for Criminal Record Assistance

Several organizations in North Carolina provide assistance with understanding and addressing criminal records. Legal Aid of North Carolina's Second Chance Project helps qualified individuals apply for expunctions, though they have limited resources and typically open files during the first full week of each month.

The NC Second Chance Alliance provides resources and information about expungement eligibility and the process for clearing criminal records. They offer educational materials explaining recent changes to expungement laws and help individuals understand their options.

For questions about specific criminal records or court cases, contact the clerk of court office in the county where the case was heard. Clerks can provide information about how to obtain copies of records, explain court procedures, and direct you to appropriate resources.

Future of Background Checks in North Carolina

North Carolina continues to modernize its court system through the eCourts initiative, which is converting counties from paper filings to digital records. This transition to cloud-based technology and digital courthouse records will eventually make criminal record searches faster and more comprehensive across all 100 counties.

As more counties implement the Enterprise Justice platform, online access to criminal records will become more standardized and user-friendly. This modernization may also improve the accuracy and timeliness of criminal record information, reducing delays between arrests and when information appears in searchable databases.

Expungement laws continue to evolve, with advocacy groups pushing for expanded access to second chances for individuals with criminal records. Understanding the current state of criminal record access and staying informed about changes in the law will help you conduct more effective and legally compliant background checks.

Conclusion

Conducting criminal background checks in North Carolina requires understanding the various databases available, knowing what information is public, and following legal requirements for how you use the information. The state's public records laws provide extensive access to criminal information through court records, corrections databases, sex offender registries, and county-level resources.

By systematically searching official government databases or using aggregated tools like our free Criminal Records Search, you can compile comprehensive criminal history information efficiently. Whether you're conducting employment screening, tenant verification, or personal safety research, understanding North Carolina's criminal records system empowers you to make informed decisions based on accurate, complete information.

Remember that criminal records are just one piece of information about an individual. Consider the context of any criminal history, including how long ago offenses occurred, whether the person has demonstrated rehabilitation, and the relevance of past convictions to your current decision. Use background check information responsibly, comply with all legal requirements, and treat individuals fairly regardless of their criminal history when appropriate.