- Tennessee has an open records information service (TORIS). Any person can check your arrest record with the state of Tennessee. All that is needed to run a check is your name, race, sex, date of birth, social security number, current address and $29 (at time of publication). The system will show any time you've been arrested. It will not show any records expunged by a judge.
- Some Tennessee-based employers require a fingerprint criminal history check. This is done through the third-party private company L1 solutions. Fingerprints ensure an accurate criminal history check and the results are mailed to your potential employer directly. The background check can take up to two weeks and includes more information than the open record system -- court rulings, case dismissals and convictions.
- An potential employer can request a credit check. The employer cannot make the check without your signature and consent. The last seven years of your credit history is shared with your employer. The credit check will show up on your credit report.
- A potential employer cannot deny you employment for a criminal history that is unrelated to the job. This is a violation of the Federal Civil Rights Act, Title VII. If your criminal history has nothing to do with your potential job then you should not worry about a background check. If you suspect that a potential employer has discriminated against you, and violated Title VII, then contact the American Civil Liberties Union.
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