Why is my police background investigation taking so long?
Asked by: Randi Carter III | Last update: March 15, 2025Score: 4.6/5 (64 votes)
Should I be worried if my background check is taking a long time?
If you mean a background check in the legal sense then it may be taking more time due to everything being backed up because of COVID. If that's the case, you could probably call the agency that does the checks (here is the police reporting center) and inquire about how long background checks are expected to take.
Why is an investigation taking so long?
Your case screening and intake policies also impact the caseload and overall speed of investigations. For example, let's say there's a robbery, but there's no video footage, no suspect, no license plate, no witnesses, no forensics – nothing to go on.
What is the longest a background check can take?
The time it takes to perform an employment background check ranges from a few minutes to five business days. It may take longer if the background check requires manual searches or cooperation from other organizations, such as professional license certifications, universities, and previous employers.
How long should I wait to hear back from a background check?
How long does a background check take? It's impossible to give an exact time frame, as every employer differs – but you should hear something within a week or two following a background check. It can take anywhere from two to five days to conduct an employment background check.
The Top Reason Applicants FAIL a POLICE background INVESTIGATION 🚔 ‼️
How do I know if my background check is successful?
There are only two sure-fire ways to know you passed the check: for the potential employer or hiring manager to confirm that you passed and/or for them to extend a job offer (that is not contingent on finalizing the background screening).
Is it okay to ask the status of a background check?
Is It OK to Ask About the Status of a Background Check? Yes, an applicant can ask to see their background check results from the agency that conducted it at any time during the process and up to one year after employment begins.
Why is my background check still pending?
A pending background check occurs during the assessment process, typically due to missing, inaccurate, or conflicting information. A background check can also be pending, thanks to court system delays, third-party delayed responses, international checks, or a bottleneck of background checks due to the time of year.
What disqualifies you from a federal background check?
INTERIM DISQUALIFYING CRIMINAL OFFENSES
Extortion. Dishonesty, fraud, or misrepresentation, including identity fraud and money laundering, where the money laundering is related to a crime listed in Parts A or B (except welfare fraud and passing bad checks). Bribery. Smuggling.
Do investigations have a time limit?
If facing a misdemeanor or felony investigation, the length of time of the investigation can - technically speaking - be as long as the law permits that charge to be prosecuted; starting from the time the crime is committed (or discovered), until the last eligible day for arrest or filing of criminal charges.
How long are the police allowed to investigate you?
Similarly, the length of time the police will engage in a pre-arrest investigation will depend on the seriousness and complexity of the crime. Some can take days, weeks, or a year or more to complete.
How do you know when an investigation is over?
An investigation will continue until authorities have gathered enough evidence to proceed forward with the case or decide that there isn't enough evidence on which to proceed. This might involve waiting for the turnaround of forensic evidence or locating and interviewing witnesses, victims, or additional suspects.
Is a delayed background check bad?
Delays in any necessary process can feel frustrating and worrying, especially when it comes to pre-employment screening. A delayed background check can lead to anxiousness whether you're a job candidate or a hiring manager. Thankfully, they are rarely a cause for concern.
How do I know if I passed my sterling background check?
Check your screening status
Enter your email address and the last four digits of your Social Security Number that you provided as part of your screening. If Sterling is able to locate a screening that was performed within the last 30 days, you will receive an email notification informing you of the screening status.
Why would a background check take months?
The main reason one background check takes longer than another is often due to the accessibility of records data. Some jurisdictions are very slow to retrieve and provide us with the records that we need to complete your report.
How long after a background check to hear back?
While two to five business days is how long it generally takes for the potential employer to get the results back, don't expect a reply right away. The hiring manager may have a wealth of other tasks they need to deal with before they come back to you with their final answer.
Can a background check take 3 weeks?
If a candidate's criminal history is limited to one state, or one home country, then the check can take one to two business days. However, verifying international records takes much longer. If the candidate has emigrated or worked in different countries, this process can stretch up to, or past, 20 days.
What comes first, a background check or a drug test?
In many cases, drug testing is performed after background checks or around the same time. Most organizations conduct the screening after extending a job offer to the candidate. The final decision to hire the individual is contingent upon the outcome of the drug test.
Should I be worried if my background check is taking longer than usual?
Don't panic if it's slower than you expect. That doesn't necessarily mean there is a problem. While two to five business days is how long it generally takes for the potential employer to get the results back, don't expect a reply right away.
What is the longest wait for a background check?
A general rule to go by is that local and state searches might be completed within a day, while federal searches can take longer, often up to a week or more.
How do I know if a background check was done on me?
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) provides you with the following rights: Potential employers must notify you if a background check is the reason you didn't receive a job offer. You must receive a copy of your background check if you request one.
What is a red flag on background check?
A red flag in a background check is anything alarming or concerning about a person's past. This could be a history of breaking the law, lying about work experience or education, or other serious issues. However, not all red flags are the same. Some might be small and not that serious, depending on the job.
Should I call and ask about my background check?
Employees – You can ask to see the results of your background check report at any time from the agency who conducted it. The name of the agency was likely on the consent form you signed during pre-hiring.
What states prohibit pre-offer background checks?
These states include California, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Montanan, New Mexico, New York, New Hampshire and Washington.