Searching for criminal records isn't exactly something that is ordinary for the average citizen in Missouri. However, if you are highly suspicious of a certain individual that you or your family may know, then doing a background check on them can do no harm. The same thing applies to business owners in the state. Hiring a new employee isn't as simple as taking a look at the resume. You cannot necessarily believe everything you see on a person's resume. Sometimes, doing a criminal record check may be the only way to know for sure if the new individual can be trusted.
In Missouri, there are plenty of ways you can conduct background checks by using the Internet. For one, you can start by searching for information using free public records. By going to the Missouri Free Public Records webpage, you will be able to access a lot of information. Upon entering the home page, you will see certain boxes with options you can choose from. In the type of record, scroll down and choose "criminal". Then, select Missouri as the state you would like to do the search in. You can also type in the name of the county as part of your query. Click "go" and wait for the results. You may have to enter more information such as the person of interest's data once the results are shown.
Another very useful website is the Missouri Automated Criminal History Site, or MACHS. However, you need to register first before you can fully access the webpage. Upon registering, you will be granted access to search the database of individuals with criminal backgrounds. One way you can search for criminal history in MACHS is by using the name-based data search, which has a fee of $10. If your person of interest does have a criminal past, it will be displayed as a possible match. You can also request a fingerprint-based background check, which is a bit more expensive at $20 per search. However, once results are given, information that is successfully acquired will be shown as "positive matches". Other than the positive match, the package will include all information regarding the person of interest's criminal background as well.
Finally, you can also visit your Missouri Courts website which does a number of searches, and also includes criminal background checks. However, the site's availability is limited as it is not functional 24 hours a day. You can only log in between 6:00am and 1:00am (Central Time Zone), Monday through Friday. However, once you are in, searching is quite easy. Simply enter the first and last name of the person you are looking for and results will be shown in an instant.
For those who wish to retrieve Missouri background checks and criminal records, take the following measures:
Step 1.
Visit the CJIS website to download the Missouri Background Check Request Form.
Step 2.
Fill out the request form and either have your fingerprints taken by a local law enforcement agency or choose a name-based search.
Step 3.
Mail the completed form with the fingerprint card if applicable and a certified check or money order for $10 (name search) or $20 (fingerprint search). Or, take the form and money to the Missouri Highway Patrol office and perform the search in person.
If you need additional assistance, contact the Missouri State Highway Patrol below:
Missouri Criminal Justice Information Services
Missouri State Highway Patrol, CJIS
1510 East Elm Street
Jefferson City, MO 65102
If you would like to access Missouri arrest records, the Missouri Department of Corrections provides an online database to make your search easier. The database allows you to search by name and aliases to find active offenders.
To find Missouri arrest records using the database, you will need to:
Step 1.
Go online to the Missouri Department of Corrections' website to navigate to the Missouri Offender Web Search tool. Click the "Proceed to Offender Search" link at the bottom after reading the statement.
Step 2.
Input the offender's name or DOC number and click the Search button on the right.
Step 3.
Results will then be displayed. You can view the details of the record by clicking on the DOC ID link.
For more assistance accessing Missouri arrest records, you can contact the Department of Corrections at the information below:
Missouri Department of Corrections
Office of the Director
2729 Plaza Drive
P.O. Box 236
Jefferson City, MO 65102
(573) 751-2389
Where to Find Missouri Criminal Records
The Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) maintains the database for Missouri criminal records. Criminal records may be requested in person for a name-based search or fingerprint search, or requests can be mailed into the department. The fee for name-based searches is $10 and $20 for fingerprint searches, payable only by certified check or money order.
Who Can Legally Obtain Missouri Criminal Records?
Missouri does not limit criminal records to law enforcement agencies. Any member of the public may request a criminal record for themselves or another person.
Correcting a Criminal Record
Call or go in person to the Missouri Highway Patrol office to dispute any mistakes found on a criminal record. Provide supporting documentation if available to remedy the mistake, and it will be reviewed.
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