There is a very important distinction between police records and court records. Here’s a breakdown of why court records can often provide a more complete picture:
Scope of Information:
- Police Records: Primarily contain information related to interactions with law enforcement, such as arrests, charges, and police investigations. They may also include details about interactions where charges were not laid.
- Court Records: Encompass the official documentation of legal proceedings. This includes:
Charges brought against an individual. - Evidence presented in court.
- Plea agreements.
- Trial outcomes (convictions, acquittals, dismissals).
- Sentencing information.
- Civil court information.
Therefore, court records show the outcome of police actions.
Completeness of Outcomes:
A police record might show that someone was arrested, but it won’t necessarily reveal what happened in court. Court records, on the other hand, provide the final disposition of the case. For example, a court record will show if charges were dropped, if someone was found not guilty, or what the specific sentence was.
Civil vs. Criminal:
Court records also include civil court proceedings, which are separate from criminal matters. This can provide information about lawsuits, judgments, and other legal disputes that might be relevant to an employer. Police records generally do not contain this information.
Information Accuracy:
Court records are meant to be a formal record of legal proceedings and therefore are held to a higher standard of accuracy.
Privacy Concerns:
The availability and use of court records are subject to privacy laws, which vary by jurisdiction.
Relevance:
Not all court record information may be relevant to every employment decision.
Summary
While police records provide a snapshot of law enforcement interactions, court records offer a more comprehensive view of legal proceedings and outcomes.
Source: Steve Brownstein, Straightline International
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