1. State and FBI Fingerprint Checks for Members and Staff
Office on Volunteerism and Community Service

2. Which members gets a State and FBI fingerprint check?
All new members or returning members with break in service of more than 120 days
Returning members with 120 days or less break in service do not have to have another State and FBI check

3. Which staff get a State and FBI fingerprint check?
All new staff that are in the budget, or have supervisory role of members
Any returning staff that have had a break in employment of more than 120 days
Less than 120 days break in employment, another State and FBI check is not required if complete 4-part already in place

4. Timeframe for completion
Must begin State and FBI check by enrollment date
Should begin even sooner, if possible
After fingerprints are taken and forms are submitted, an average turnaround time from Virginia State Police can be 4 to 6 weeks
Now you see why it’s important to start early!!

5. Step 1 for Non-Profits
Receiving an Application from Virginia State Police
Send a letter on agency/organization letterhead to the Virginia State Police (VSP) stating the following;
a. You are a Virginia AmeriCorps program.
b. New Federal regulations require that you conduct national FBI Fingerprint Checks on all of your AmeriCorps program participants.
c. Request a tracking number for processing fingerprint cards.
See Page 4 of OVCS 4-Part Background Check Process document for addressee, etc.

6. Step 2
Application
VSP will send back an application that must be completed and returned to complete registration
After registration is completed, fingerprint cards are sent to the program

7. Step 3
Fingerprinting
Contact local law enforcement to set up a time to have the members/staff fingerprints taken
Some localities charge a fee to take the fingerprints, approx. $10

8. Step 4 Complete and submit Form SP-24, found here
Programs should make members aware that incorrect information (i.e. not reporting crimes that will be on criminal history record) submitted on Form SP-24 is a misdemeanor
Programs should use employment designation, and the cost is $37

9. Step 4 continued- Submit the completed Form SP-24 and the fingerprint card to VSP with tracking #
Results will be mailed back with a Pass or Fail designation from both VSP and FBI check
No Criminal History will be returned, only a Pass/Fail
If you receive back a Pass for both, the member/staff State and FBI check is complete
Make sure member file is complete for State/FBI
If you receive a fail, you will have to move to Step 5

10. Step 5- What if Form SP-24 comes back with a Fail?
A Fail designation does not automatically mean that the member/staff is ineligible. Form SP-24 reviews against “barrier crimes”, which include offenses that do not automatically rule out service.
If Form SP-24 comes back with a Fail, you will then need to request the actual Criminal History from State Police, and FBI.
Submit Form SP-167 to State Police for State Criminal History
Follow FBI Instructions here for criminal history, and refer to Page 5 of the OVCS 4-part background check for additional information on a fail notice

11. Step 6- Review Criminal History Record
You then review the Criminal History record against your organizational policy.
Murder or Sex Offense automatically exclude a member/staff.
Other crimes at discretion of your organization
Make sure that your file clearly shows why you refused or accepted the member/staff!

12. What to do if fingerprints are rejected as illegible/unreadable
If deemed unreadable by VSP, the fingerprint card will be returned with a red stamp on it, denoting that a Virginia Name Search was conducted.
However, an FBI check is still required.
FBI must reject fingerprints twice before a National Name Search can be run
After 2 rejections, submit to Elvira Johnson at VSP:
Rejection notices and original fingerprint cards
A short letter on Program letterhead stating the need for a National Name Search

13. Organizational Design or Processes that do not allow for the approved process to be followed
Contact your Program Officer immediately
May need to request an Alternate Search Process/Protocol from CNCS
Common items that may need an ASP
programs that have HR departments handling background checks and can’t meet reviewability requirements
programs that employ/enroll individuals with criminal records as part of the program design
See ASP PowerPoint in the background checks training folder

14. Important Keys
Review fully the OVCS 4-part Background Check Guidance Document
Start as early as possible
Encourage applicant to accurately complete forms
Document fully all elements
Contact Program Officer for any possible deviations from OVCS guidance documents