I called local police dept and they said it could take a month to get a criminal record back from the state. There's paperwork to fill, etc. It's not so easy in Massachusetts.
The background check should include the most common data_base_s to ensure that all relevant and pertinent information is found. If even one of these data_base_s is missed the background check is not thorough, and this can have costly or even deadly consequences for you or those you care about. The best background search is thorough and complete, and includes the following data_base_s.

1. All criminal records, including both arrest records and conviction records
2. The sex offender registry, in case the subject was arrested and convicted in another county or state
3. Vital statistic records, including births, deaths, marriages, and divorces, as well as other name changes
4. Court records for all civil, criminal, and traffic cases
5. Property records, including searches for any property the subject owns individually or jointly
6. Driving records, including any tickets or moving violations

However, there are laws which some protection to job applicants, tenants, and credit applicants. The Fair Credit Reporting Act is a nationwide law that requires you to tell the applicant about bad information in the background check report if it contains the reason that you did not approve his application, and you must tell him where you got the report from. California has additional safeguards against discrimination, for example, to protect against age discrimination, you cannot ask a persons birthday or age, but that makes it harder for you to be sure you have identified the correct person.