A criminal record check is the process by which the policing authority in your jurisdiction discloses details regarding prosecutions and convictions against an individual, with their consent, to a prospective employer or organisation with whom they wish to volunteer.

Criminal record checks usually have a different name depending on the different jurisdictions.

• In Ireland they're called 'Garda Vetting checks' or 'Disclosures'.
• In the UK they're known as 'DBS checks' (DBS standing for Disclosure and Barring Service)
• In the USA they're often called 'Background Checks'.
• In South Africa they're often called 'Police Record Checks'.

See also, How do I incorporate into my Complyfile the ability to record the outcome of a criminal record check?