National Criminal Database: Is it Real, or Just a Myth?

Let’s get right to the point. There’s no “magic box” that contains information from every criminal-records source in the U.S. And there’s no single, easily accessible, complete, and accurate national criminal record database to assist with resident screening. This may come as a surprise since the term “national criminal database” is often used when speaking with some resident screening companies.

The reality is that there are a variety of places where criminal records are maintained: some at the state level, others at the county or city level, and even some at the municipal level. Do each of these source’s hand over their records to a single national database? The answer is no. State, county and municipality repositories are independent from each other and from any central source.

A national criminal database is mythical

Accessing criminal records is challenging to say the least. Not only are there thousands of federal, state, and local criminal courts, but the courts and governmental administrative agencies that maintain conviction records use a variety of records-management systems that have different methods of access, distinct formatting, and sometimes contain diverse data. There are also innumerable federal, state, and local laws/rules that may limit access to these records.

Approximately 77 million Americans—representing 1 in every 3 adults—have a criminal record. In the second quarter of 2024, the share of American renters grew to a record 45.2 million renters, with growth being three times faster than the share of homeowner households.

So, criminal records are not easily accessible, roughly 30% of adults have them, and the number of renters is increasing. Further complicating the search process, the application fee renters are accustomed to paying—or that the housing provider is willing to pay to a screening company/or that a locality will allow to be charged—is at times lower than the cost of obtaining comprehensive criminal records for each applicant.

What can improve access to state and local criminal record repositories?

• Spread the word. Rental housing associations across the U.S. can offer and promote education and advocacy about access to criminal records.
• Work with state and county clerks. Rental housing providers, associations, and legislators should emphasize the need to improve access to state and local criminal record repositories.
• Take legislative action. Legislative efforts, led by association leaders and large rental housing providers, would bolster the movement.

Although a national criminal database does not exist, you can take action to better protect your properties and current residents. Evaluate which criminal records align with your screening policies and identify a provider that can best meet those needs. Whatever you decide to do, Rent Manager’s resident screening solution, AmRent, is here to help.