Criminal records, like so many other pieces of paper that we need to establish ourselves in this modern world, are a matter of public record. Which means, of course, that anyone who wants to know about your criminal record can find out about it simply by running a search for it in the proper databases, or filling out the proper paperwork. Whether it's the manager at that new job you applied for, or a potential significant other who wants to know what she's getting into, your record is out there for them to find. Which is why it's a good idea for you to get a copy for yourself, so you know what it is other people are going to be seeing, and so you have it on hand for situations where it comes up.