What Police See When They Run Your Name
Imagine driving home from work and getting pulled over for a minor traffic violation. The officer asks for your license and registration, and then goes back to his car to run your information. What do you think he sees when he checks your name in the system? Let’s take a closer look.
Just because you’ve never been arrested doesn’t mean your record is spotless. When police run your name, they’re not just looking for criminal convictions. They can also access a variety of other information, including:
Traffic Violations
All traffic violations, from speeding tickets to DUIs, are entered into a national database that police can access. Even if you’ve never been to court for a traffic violation, it will still show up on your record.
Arrests
Any time you’ve been arrested, even if the charges were later dropped, it will show up on your record. This includes both felony and misdemeanor arrests.
Convictions
Any time you’ve been convicted of a crime, it will show up on your record. This includes both felonies and misdemeanors. Even if you’ve served your time and completed your probation, it will still show up on your record.
Warrant
If there’s a warrant out for your arrest, police will be able to see it when they run your name. This could be for anything from a traffic violation to a more serious crime. It’s important to know that even if you’re not aware of a warrant, it could still be out there.
Protective Orders
If there’s a protective order against you, it will show up on your record. This could be for domestic violence, stalking, or harassment. Protective orders can restrict your contact with certain people or places.
In addition to this information, police may also be able to access other information, such as your social media profiles and your employment history. This information can be used to build a more complete picture of who you are and what you’ve been up to.
It’s important to be aware of the information that police can access when they run your name. This information can be used to make decisions about whether to arrest you, charge you with a crime, or even deny you a job or housing. If you have any concerns about your record, it’s important to contact an attorney to discuss your options.
Tips for Dealing with the Police
If you’re ever stopped by the police, it’s important to know your rights and how to interact with them. Here are a few tips:
By following these tips, you can help protect your rights and avoid any unnecessary problems.
FAQs
Q: What should I do if I’m stopped by the police and they run my name?
A: Be polite and respectful, and answer the officer’s questions honestly. Don’t volunteer any information, and don’t consent to a search of your car or person unless you’re sure it’s legal. If you’re arrested, ask to speak to an attorney as soon as possible.
Q: What information can the police see when they run my name?
A: The police can see a variety of information when they run your name, including traffic violations, arrests, convictions, warrants, and protective orders. They may also be able to access other information, such as your social media profiles and your employment history.
Q: Can I get my record expunged?
A: In some cases, you may be able to get your record expunged. This means that the record of your arrest or conviction will be sealed and no longer accessible to the public. To find out if you’re eligible for expungement, you should contact an attorney.
Q: What should I do if I find inaccurate information on my record?
A: If you find inaccurate information on your record, you should contact the agency that provided the information to the police. You may be able to file a dispute to have the information corrected.
Are you interested in knowing more about what the police can see when they run your name?
