Just a few years ago, the only people that would conduct a police background check was the police, typically when a person was pulled over for speeding or on suspicion of driving under the influence. Just by typing in the driver's license number or submitting the person's social security number, the police are able to tell whether the person has any warrants out for their arrest or are allowed to be driving their vehicle.

Today, a state police background check can be used by average individuals to look into the past of a person that they are interested in. Many business professionals and homeowners use these background checks to determine a person's eligibility for an employment position, such as a bank teller or a babysitter for children. The police background check will disclose whether the person has ever been convicted of anything that would disqualify them for the position.

There is a great deal of information that can be contained within a police background check. For example, a PA state police background check will contain information about a person's criminal history, driving violations, any aliases used by the individual, weapons permits, and professional licenses held. It may also include information about business and personal associates, financial information, and a listing of the assets held by the individual.