DPS Report on Criminal History Background Checks

[joe817]

In June, I was wondering what was included on a background check, knowing I had some "hickey's" on my record somewhere, and whether I may be disqualified from receiving a CHL. As usual, I received a LOT of excellent answers from a LOT of knowledgeable people.

In poking around the DPS website this morning, I ran across a report submitted to the Texas Legislature called "Criminal History Background Checks DPS Report to the 81st Legislature". It was submitted back in January of this year. Had I known of this report, I think the majority of my questions would have been answered. In fact, a lot of questions people have regarding background checks are answered in this report.

It's 34 pages long but gives good insight what is involved in a background check AND why we've experienced the delays regarding them. For example:
"Current FBI policy under federal regulations requires a new fingerprint search for a purpose different from the original submission. For example,FBI does not object to a second school district using the FACTClearinghouse to view the FBI records of a person who is in FACT because of an original application as a teacher or to work in a school. FBI will not allow, however, for a nursing applicant’s records in FACT to be used for that person’s Concealed Handgun License application." - Page 21

"Missing dispositions cause the process to be lengthened because the court must be contacted to determine whether there was a conviction or other disqualifying outcome. This task normally falls to the licensing or employment agency, although at times the burden is placed upon the individual him or herself." {The DPS does a great job of collecting arrest records but less than acceptable job of collecting disposition records.} - Page 24

"The FAST fingerprinting service to capture photographs and fingerprints and the FACT Clearinghouse provide a framework around which an authorized non-criminal justice entity can develop standardized procedures for the actual background check process itself, such as application, fingerprinting, payment, and receipt of the background check results."
{It looks like FAST is going to become the way to go for CHL purposes, IMO} Page 28

"Recommendations for how the Eighty-First Legislature can improve background check procedures" - Page 30

Sorry this is so long, but this was important to me when I originally asked the question back in June. It was an interesting read for me, as I learned a lot.

http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/administra ... Checks.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[seamusTX]

Very good work, Joe.

It looks like FAST is going to become the way to go for CHL purposes, IMO

You're probably right.

My only point of skepticism is that it may be difficult for some people to get to a FAST facility. There are places in Texas that are two or three hours by road from a city (not necessarily because of distance, but bad roads).

Here's a list of locations, FYI: http://www.l1enrollment.com/locations/?st=tx" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

- Jim

[LostInAustin]

OK...Joe, after reading your post I am wondering. In your opinion do you think it would benefit the applicant to get the disposition themselves and submit it to the DPS or let the DPS retrieve it themselves? I had my disposition ready to hand into them and the people at the desk told me to hang onto it and if it became an issue(it was 19 years ago) then they would send me a letter for it. So, I stilll have all the paperwork here and ready to use but they have not asked for it. My worry is that they will not find it, because it to me a lot of effort to dig it up, and then we will reset the time. UGGGHHH!

I know this is just an opinion but I haven't read the background check doc yet.

BTW, thanks for the informative post. I copied the link to my comp and am going to read the doc.

[joe817]

OK...Joe, after reading your post I am wondering. In your opinion do you think it would benefit the applicant to get the disposition themselves and submit it to the DPS or let the DPS retrieve it themselves? I had my disposition ready to hand into them and the people at the desk told me to hang onto it and if it became an issue(it was 19 years ago) then they would send me a letter for it. So, I stilll have all the paperwork here and ready to use but they have not asked for it. My worry is that they will not find it, because it to me a lot of effort to dig it up, and then we will reset the time. UGGGHHH!
I know this is just an opinion but I haven't read the background check doc yet. BTW, thanks for the informative post. I copied the link to my comp and am going to read the doc.

You want MY opinion? Fantastic! I've been waiting for someone to ask me that! (I'll send you the 2 boxes of .380 that I agreed to pay ya for asking that!) Just kidding!!!

IMO, no I don't LIA. I sent my disposition(s) in with my application after my class, in an attempt to avoid further delays and the dreaded "letter". As it stands, DPS has VERY accurate records of arrest...but they don't do such a good job of capturing dispositions OF those arrests. Recommendations are in place of better reporting by local agencies of dispositions to DPS, to avoid that situation. That alone would greatly speed up the approval process, IMO.

DPS had 4 major recommendations to simplify/streamline/create better efficiency in the background check process(I think it was 4 recommendations) when they submitted them to the 81st Legislature ending last June. I have no idea if those recommendations were accepted. I sure hope they were, for the benefit of future CHL applicants.

Maybe Chas has a better idea if the Legislature did or did not accept DPS's recommendations.

[joe817]

Very good work, Joe.

It looks like FAST is going to become the way to go for CHL purposes, IMO

You're probably right.
My only point of skepticism is that it may be difficult for some people to get to a FAST facility. There are places in Texas that are two or three hours by road from a city (not necessarily because of distance, but bad roads).
Here's a list of locations, FYI: http://www.l1enrollment.com/locations/?st=tx" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
- Jim

Jim, I share your skepticism....In the other report: http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/administra ... ecords.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; on page 27, it gives a % breakdown of populations covered by FAST locations:
"FAST FACTS:
• The network provides convenient locations for fingerprinting. There are currently 81 sites through out the state. Some of those are full time sites at one location, while others are sites that a mobile operator travels to certain days of the week.
• The Request for Proposal and contract require that the sites be distributed around the state so that the following percentages of the Texas population would be within these distances of the person’s residence:
Within 25 miles 75.7%
Within 50 miles 99.0%
Within 75 miles 99.8%
Within 100 miles 99.9%
Within 125 miles 100%
This requirement was to ensure that the vendor serves the rural areas as
well as the busy metropolitan areas."

IMO, this network will expand over time, as FAST works toward becoming the exclusive company that provides fingerprint and passport photo services. And as stated in the reports, those will be electronically transmitted to DPS HQ,which will also cut down on delays.

[LostInAustin]

Thanks for sharing Joe and thanks for the information!

BTW...I'll PM my address for the 380's

[joe817]

Thanks for sharing Joe and thanks for the information!

BTW...I'll PM my address for the 380's

You don't have a .380! You have one of those gigantic 1911's like in your avatar! *gulp*.

[LostInAustin]

I figured I could trade a couple boxes of 380 for 3 or 4 boxes of 45. Better yet why don't you just sell me that 380. Its old and can't get parts for it. Can't shoot it cuz no ammo! I'll take it off your hands!

You know I'm a Colt guy and would take gooood care of it!

[joe817]

I figured I could trade a couple boxes of 380 for 3 or 4 boxes of 45. Better yet why don't you just sell me that 380. Its old and can't get parts for it. Can't shoot it cuz no ammo! I'll take it off your hands!

You know I'm a Colt guy and would take gooood care of it!

Ahhhh thanks for the offer buddy, but I think I'll hang on to it! (good try though...on both counts!)

[LostInAustin]

I think I would hang on to it also. Like I posted, when you first put the picture on the forum, I regret not buying one of those years ago.

A perfect little "Mini 1911"!