Is that accurate? Being charged with a crime but then having charges subsequently dropped shouldn't show up in a background check. Plus, given their line of work, I think in their profession it would basically be a badge of honor.

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giantg2 an hour ago | parent | next [-]

You'd have to get it expunged for it to not show up. Even then, it will still show up for security clearances and such.

	▲	jimt1234 an hour ago \| parent [-]
		Can confirm. I needed a security clearance for government contracting work when I was in my mid-30s. The background check flagged a dismissed charge from when I was a teenager.

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port443 an hour ago | parent | prev | next [-]

Yes it absolutely matters. My brother was charged with three felonies in his only arrest, all of them dropped.

It shows up in his background report and no company has cared (or taken the time to notice) that they are dropped charges and not convictions.

He's basically treated like a felon and effectively got bumped out of his career.

	▲	ryandrake an hour ago \| parent [-]
		Also, I've seen many job applications that ask a question like: "Have you ever been arrested for a crime, regardless of the outcome?" Presumably mere involvement with law enforcement (even if acquitted or charges dropped) is some kind of signal in these guys' risk formulas.

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xvector 2 hours ago | parent | prev [-]

It does show up in background checks unfortunately, and it is considered.