Criminal records are routinely included in background screening reports that employers receive on prospective employees as well as on reports that are requested on existing employees. However, before an employer has a background company run a report on you, they you must first obtain your permission to have the report run. This release is generally contained in something they require you to sign to be considered for employment, and may also be required to sign as a condition of employment. See Section 604(b) of the Fair Credit Reporting Act –  Conditions for Furnishing and Using Consumer Reports for Employment Purposes. Continue reading →