Many people are unaware that their official background reports could contain significant errors—errors that could cost them job opportunities, promotions, or the ability to participate in activities like coaching or fostering children. This is especially true for anyone who has ever been titled, an administrative notation in law enforcement databases that most people don’t fully understand. If you’ve been titled, it’s critical to know exactly how that information is being reported, and the only way to ensure accuracy is by running an official FBI background check.
What Is Titling and Why Does It Matter?
Titling refers to an administrative process where law enforcement agencies note someone’s involvement in a matter, even if no charges were filed or no conviction occurred. Titling is not a legal or judicial proceeding, but it can still appear on your record—and cause problems. The issue with titling is that most people, including employers and others conducting background checks, don’t understand what it really means and may incorrectly assume guilt.
For example, you could be titled for a serious offense, like assault, but ultimately receive a much less serious disciplinary action, such as an Article 15 for a minor infraction. However, if the serious charge still shows up on your background check, it could paint a far more damaging picture than the reality of the situation. Unfortunately, people often presume guilt when they see these notations, even if they were never fully investigated or prosecuted.
Why You Should Run an Official FBI Background Check
The only way to know exactly how your record appears is by running an official FBI background check. Commercial background checks are often incomplete or inaccurate, and they don’t typically include information about titling. However, an FBI background check will provide the full, accurate scope of what’s recorded about you, including any titling information.
Without knowing what’s on your official record, you could go years without realizing that an error, such as outdated or incorrectly reported charges, is affecting your career or other aspects of your life. Inaccuracies are more common than you might think, and without taking proactive steps to correct them, they could continue to harm your opportunities.
The Risks of Not Checking Your FBI Record
Many people assume that if they’ve never been convicted of a crime, their background check is clear. However, this is not always the case. If you’ve been titled — even if you were never charged with an offense — that notation will appear on your FBI record. This can lead to serious consequences, such as:
- Lost job opportunities
- Missed promotions
- Disqualification from coaching or other community roles
- Issues with security clearances or professional licenses
Without running an official FBI background check, you may never know about these damaging inaccuracies until it’s too late.
Example: How Titling Can Harm Your Future
Consider this scenario: A service member is titled for a serious offense like assault but is ultimately given an Article 15 for a less serious, issue. The service member pleads guilty to the minor offense, assuming that the matter is resolved. However, when a background check is run, the original, more severe charge is still present, making it appear as if the person was involved in something far more serious than the final outcome or than what probable cause would support.
This can be devastating. Employers and others may see this serious charge and assume guilt, even though the individual was never convicted or fully prosecuted. This is just one example of how titling—when reported inaccurately or not fully understood—can harm someone’s future without them even knowing it.
How to Run an Official FBI Background Check
To ensure your record is accurate and free of damaging errors, follow these steps to run an official FBI background check through Printscan, at a UPS location near you:
- First, click on the link below.
- Once on the Printscan website, click on the blue box to the upper right of the page that says, “Make Appointment.”
- Choose “I don’t have a code.”
- Then click the option for “FBI Background Check Departmental Order.”
- This option will walk you through the steps of making an appointment to get fingerprinted at a UPS Printscan location near you.
- Under “Company Selection,” leave the field box blank when it asks for an “Abbreviation Code;”
- Then click “Continue Making an Appointment for Livescan;”
- Choose your citizenship status;
- Check the two boxes, indicating that you agree with the terms and conditions;
- Select “No Apostille Needed;”
- Select “Email Only” for how you would like the report sent to you; and
- Continue to make your appointment by entering your zip code, etc.
Don’t Let an Inaccuracy Derail Your Future
Once you receive your results, check to see how the titling decision is reported. If you think or suspect any inaccuracies, send them to us for review and a free consultation.
Errors in your FBI background check can have serious consequences, but the good news is that you can take action to correct them. By running an official FBI background check, you’ll know exactly what information is being reported, including any titling notations that may appear. Armed with this knowledge, you can take steps to correct any inaccuracies before they cost you valuable opportunities.
At the National Security Law Firm, we specialize in helping individuals correct mistakes in their background reports and remove damaging titling notations. If you find errors in your report, don’t hesitate to reach out for help.
Ready to Take the Next Step? Let’s Talk.
If you’ve been titled or suspect there may be titling inaccuracies on your FBI background check, contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll help you understand your report and work with you to correct any errors.
The National Security Law Firm: It’s Our Turn to Fight for You!
Book a consultation now at National Security Law Firm Consultation or call us at 202-600-4996.
