Your RAP sheet, or Record of Arrests and Prosecutions, describes any involvement that you've had with the criminal justice system. If you've ever been arrested, even if the case was dismissed or resulted in a "not guilty" verdict, you will have a RAP sheet. In addition to state-specific RAP sheets, the FBI maintains criminal records from all states as well as the federal government.
It's important to review your criminal history at both the state and federal levels. It's best if you do this before you start looking for work, as potential employers often do background checks.
Incomplete, incorrect, and duplicate entries can make your record seem more negative than it really is. For example:
- Your RAP sheet might fail to state that an arrest did not actually lead to conviction.
- While you may have been charged with a felony, your RAP sheet may not show that you were only convicted of a misdemeanor.
- Your RAP sheet may mistakenly include juvenile records or those that have been expunged.
In addition, if there’s an inconsistency with the information you provided on a job application, employers may assume you deliberately lied. Even those who are accepting of your past mistakes will be unlikely to hire you if they believe you’re dishonest.
To request your state RAP sheet(s), follow the instructions provided by the National H.I.R.E. Network, at http://hirenetwork.org/content/state-rap-sheets-frequently-asked-questions.
To request your FBI RAP sheet (called an “identity history summary”), follow the instructions provided on the FBI website, at http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/cjis/identity-history-summary-checks.
If, after reviewing them, you believe that your state and/or FBI RAP sheet is incorrect, send a letter to the same address used for your request. Explain the exact problem, include proof of the mistake, and ask for a written response.
Also know that credit reports, sometimes called consumer reports, include a criminal history section. Like state and FBI RAP sheets, these may also contain mistakes or omissions. You can receive a free copy of your credit report from all three credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion) by making a single online request at https://www.annualcreditreport.com. If one or more of the credit reports contains errors, however, you will need to contact the responsible credit bureau(s) individually.
Requesting, reviewing, and correcting your RAP sheets is an essential step in improving your employability. The process takes time, so be sure to do it early on in the job search – before any employers run a background check on you.
Check out the other posts in the Justice Involved section of our blog for more useful tips.
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