What Information Do Police Get When They Run Your Name?
When you hear that the police are running your name, it can be a nerve-wracking experience. You may be wondering what information they are looking for and what they might find. While the specific information the police will get when they run your name will vary depending on your jurisdiction, there are some general things that they will typically look for.
In this article, we will discuss what information the police get when they run your name, why they might do so, and what you can do if you are concerned about the information that they may find.
What Information Do the Police Get When They Run Your Name?
When the police run your name through a criminal justice database, they will typically get the following information:
- Your full name and aliases: This includes any other names you may have used, such as maiden names, nicknames, or aliases.
- Your date of birth: This is used to verify your identity and to ensure that they have the correct person.
- Your Social Security number: This is used to track your criminal history and to identify any outstanding warrants or other legal issues.
- Your driver’s license number: This is used to verify your identity and to check for any traffic violations or other driving-related issues.
- Your physical address and phone number: This is used to contact you if necessary.
- Your criminal history: This includes any arrests, convictions, or other criminal charges that you have on your record.
- Your outstanding warrants: This includes any warrants that have been issued for your arrest.
- Your immigration status: This is used to verify your legal status in the United States.
In addition to the above information, the police may also get other information about you from other sources, such as social media, public records, or interviews with friends and family.
Why Do the Police Run Your Name?
The police may run your name for a variety of reasons, including:
- To investigate a crime: The police may run your name to see if you have any prior criminal history that could be relevant to the investigation.
- To identify a suspect: The police may run your name to see if you match the description of a suspect in a crime.
- To locate a fugitive: The police may run your name to see if you have any outstanding warrants for your arrest.
- To conduct a background check: The police may run your name to conduct a background check for employment, licensing, or other purposes.
The police do not need to have a specific reason to run your name. They can run your name for any reason they deem necessary.
What Can You Do If You Are Concerned About the Information the Police May Find?
If you are concerned about the information that the police may find when they run your name, there are a few things you can do:
- Request a copy of your criminal history: You can request a copy of your criminal history from the state or federal government. This will allow you to see what information the police have on file about you.
- Dispute any inaccurate information: If you find any inaccurate information in your criminal history, you can dispute it with the appropriate agency. You will need to provide documentation to support your dispute.
- Consider getting a pardon or expungement: If you have a criminal record, you may be able to get a pardon or expungement. This will remove or seal your criminal record, making it more difficult for the police to find it.
It is important to remember that the police can only run your name through a criminal justice database. They cannot access your private information, such as your financial records or your medical records, without your consent.
Tips and Expert Advice
Here are a few tips and pieces of expert advice for dealing with the police:
- Be respectful: Even if you are angry or upset, it is important to be respectful to the police. This will make them more likely to listen to you and to help you.
- Be honest: If the police ask you questions, be honest with them. Lying to the police can only make things worse.
- Know your rights: It is important to know your rights when dealing with the police. You have the right to remain silent, the right to an attorney, and the right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures.
- If you are arrested, do not resist: Resisting arrest can lead to additional charges and can make the situation worse.
- If you are injured, seek medical attention: If you are injured during an encounter with the police, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
If you are concerned about the information that the police may find when they run your name, you can take steps to protect yourself. By following the tips and advice outlined above, you can help to ensure that your rights are protected and that you are treated fairly by the police.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What information do the police get when they run my name?
A: When the police run your name through a criminal justice database, they will typically get the following information: your full name and aliases, your date of birth, your Social Security number, your driver’s license number, your physical address and phone number, your criminal history, your outstanding warrants, and your immigration status.
Q: Why do the police run my name?
A: The police may run your name for a variety of reasons, including to investigate a crime, to identify a suspect, to locate a fugitive, or to conduct a background check.
Q: What can I do if I am concerned about the information the police may find?
A: If you are concerned about the information that the police may find when they run your name, you can request a copy of your criminal history, dispute any inaccurate information, or consider getting a pardon or expungement.
Conclusion
When the police run your name, they will typically get information about your criminal history, outstanding warrants, and other relevant information. This information can be used for a variety of purposes, such as investigating crimes, identifying suspects, and conducting background checks.
If you are concerned about the information that the police may find when they run your name, you can take steps to protect yourself. By following the tips and advice outlined above, you can help to ensure that your rights are protected and that you are treated fairly by the police.
Is there anything else you would like to know about what information the police get when they run your name? Let us know in the comments below!
