Criminal histories can show up on search engines, background checks
A night out on the town can leave you with more than just a hangover the next morning.
Thanks to search engines and the accessibility of information online, a student’s run-in with police is hardly a private matter.
“I think it’s hard to argue against access to public records concerning adults,” said Aaron Michel, a junior English major. “However, I think that it is up to the individuals who look up this information to judge how they use and interpret it.”
Most employers run background checks before they hire, so this information would be available to them regardless of online access. This information is not necessarily negative unless withheld during the hiring process. It depends on the gravity of the crime and who you decide to work for.
Most local retail stores run a background check on every application. If negative information is found that was not previously disclosed, then it could reflect negatively on the applicant.
“Individuals who are issued a ticket or are arrested will have their information available to the public,” said CU Police Department spokesman Brad Wiesley. “The information on the police blotter stays up for 90 days until we remove it. However, it is possible to request to remove information from search engines once it is removed from the blotter.”
Students who haven’t had a criminal offense don’t seem too concerned with whether or not information is accessible to the public.
“I like that student criminal records are accessible to the general public. It makes me reassured about a questionable person or just aware of who has done what in the community,” said Heather Koski, a freshman journalism major. “I think any offenses with the law should be subject to show up on student’s records.”
Contact Campus Press Staff Writer Alexandria Bath at Alexandria.Bath@thecampuspress.com.
