In Alabama, criminal records are available for nearly all types of inquiries. The state does make it possible for individuals to learn about the criminal background of others in most situations. The collection of this information can be limited, though, especially in the case of juveniles. Law enforcement agencies create and maintain this information. Those looking for any sort of criminal record will need to consider more than one available source.

There are various types of Alabama criminal records. The most commonly used resources include public criminal records, jail records, federal criminal records and those from incarceration facilities. Not all of this documentation is available online and some of it is restricted in terms of who can access and use it. However, there are a few ways to gather this information.

One of the best locations for gathering Alabama criminal records is right from the source. The Alabama Criminal Justice Information Center, or ACJIC, is one of the best tools for this job. It has a listing of all criminal activities documented within the state. It is also possible to run an Alabama Background Check System scan through this agency to determine any known data on an individual. In order to do this, individuals must show good cause. For example, employers can use this system to help validate a person's ability to be hired. To do so, individuals can contact the office at the following address:

Alabama Criminal Justice Information Center

201 South Union Street

Suite 300

Montgomery, Alabama 36130

The only way in which an employer can scan any type of criminal record for this purpose is to do so once the potential applicant submits a "right to know" waiver to the potential employer. This legal tool helps to provide the employer with the right to perform such a background check on the individual.

This agency works along with the Alabama Department of Public Safety to manage all Alabama criminal records. However, there are instances in which some data may not be available for viewing. An individual can check his or her own record as well. To do so, you can visit the same office or call the agency at 334 242-4371. It is also possible to use this data to check a report and then to file an appeal if the information on the report is inaccurate. Individuals may wish to do this on a regular basis as a way of safeguarding their ability to be hired in the state.

Other criminal records may be available as well. This includes the driver's record of an individual and any sexual offender records on that individual. Juvenile records remain off limits in nearly all situations unless an individual take the request to a court. At that time, a judge will determine if this type of data should be made available.

In Alabama, criminal records can provide answers to questions and help employers to know if an individual is a potential good hire. It is a good idea for citizens to check their own records, too.

• Alabama Sex Offender Registry Search

• Alabama Crime Reports & Statistics