Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Radius]

There's been so much talk recently about whether or not people have a record, and there's also been a lot of misguided opinions of whether they have one or not.

I can only speak about American law.

For all you worried if you have an arrest record:

There's one question you have to know the answer to:
Were you fingerprinted?
If the answer's yes. YOU HAVE ONE. End of story.
If you weren't. You DON'T. Well, kind of...I'll explain.

Sure, if you were not fingerprinted, the jail or local authorities will still have record of your crime, but it is only kept on file at that particular jail, and only for a certain amount of time.
Furthermore (and most importantly), that information was not entered into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC). The only way data is to be entered into this Supercomputer--containing all of our crimes--is by fingerprint submissions from/by the Clerk of Courts (and this is usually done after you've been booked and saw the judge).

But, this does not mean that NO ONE can see your infraction. The ONLY people that can and do have access to that information are police officers (when the pull you over they get your rap sheet) and military personnel when conducting your security clearance (and other security clearance positions other than the military). And good for you they aren't the ones doing your average run-of-the-mill visa CBC. For work visas, they will not delve that deep looking for your municipal-level infractions. Again, IF they do find anything, it's because the jail fingerprinted you and logged you into the NCIC.

Therefore, no prints=no way the state or FBI knows=you can teach in America and Korea=lucky dog.

[marsavalanche]

Good thread. Should go into the FAQ. Lot of "can I teach in Korea with my jacked up past?" threads here lately.

[RMNC]

Close, but there are other criminal offenses that can go on your record that don't necessarily require your fingerprints to find them. They can just look you up by name and SS number to see what your history with the state police is. And depending on where you get your background check from and in what state, some things might show up differently, but mos of the time, yes, if you haven't been arrested and booked, you're probably okay.

[olsanairbase]

[Radius]

[Robbo]

This is correct. I just went through a very lengthy process to get a job; passed the CRC clean and the FBI check clean. The employer did an "extended" CRC and dug up a DWI from 17 years ago. I had assumed that it had come off my record for good(In America it comes off your record in ten years).
You suppose you can always find something if it has ever been recorded. (I got the job anyway, Not in SK though). My question is: with the new rules, can I just submit a clean FBI check?
Not trying to hijack the thread, only curious.

[Illysook]

I'm not sure what the difference between your "clean FBI check" and your "extended check" would be, so I doubt that immigration would either. I imagine that how one fills out the space that asks the reason for your request makes this difference happen. The correct reason is Employment - working with children.

[Bibbitybop]

[Radius]

[lonestarteacher]

[ippy]

Is it true that you have a criminal record just for being arrested? That is, EVEN IF you were found to be innocent? Or do people from the US say arrested when they actually mean convicted? It boggles my mind, so i have to assume it means convicted or something like that.

[Zackback]

Just an arrest will do it. It doesn't make sense you say? Kill logical thinking all ye that enter therein

[Radius]

[I-am-me]

Has anybody heard if passports now carry that information on them?

[Ramen]

the only way to find out is to get one and see for yourself.