polizeiliches Führungszeugnis? (Frankfurt)

My final question (today):

Has anyone obtained a Criminal Records Bureau Check from outside of Germany? I downloaded a form to fill out to apply for a "Certificate of Good Conduct" but I have no idea if this is the same thing as a police or security clearance. This form states that it must be signed and submitted at an authorising office in Germany.

A number of confusing hurdles it seems I may need to jump through Stateside before I can work in Germany, even though I do have my authorisation letter from the university. I am hoping to get some answers during my appointment next week with the consulate in Los Angeles, but if anyone from Internations would like to chime in here, I would be grateful.