Conducting Criminal Record Checks in Oklahoma

Prior to employment, every owner or administrator of a child care facility must arrange for a criminal history investigation for any employment applicant and for any adult residing in a child care facility that is licensed or approved by a child-placing agency and located in a private residence, to be conducted by the State Bureau of Investigation. If the applicant or resident has resided in Oklahoma for less than one year, the criminal history investigation must be obtained from the previous state of residence.

Any person required to register pursuant to the Sex Offenders Registration Act is prohibited from providing services to children, working for an employer who provides services to children, or residing in a child care facility. Violations of the law are considered a felony, punishable by incarceration or a fine.

Criminal arrest checks must be done by employers before employing or contracting with a nurse aide, or other person to provide nursing care, health related services or supportive assistance to any individual.

Employers of the state of Oklahoma that conduct employee-owned vehicle searches of their employees may conduct the search only on the property of the employer. Searches that are conducted on property not owned or rented by the employer require a search warrant.

Effective November 1, 2007, security guards and private investigators are required to undergo a criminal background check as a condition of licensure.

According to a law enacted May 9, 2008, private prison contractors must ensure that all employees and prospective employees submit to a national criminal history records check.

Employers are prohibited from inquiring as to whether a job applicant owns or possesses a firearm.