New Criminal Background Checking System Implemented for Staff in Fairfax County Schools
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is making a significant stride in ensuring the safety of its students and staff by becoming the first school district in Virginia to implement a new criminal background check monitoring system called Rap Back.
Prior to the implementation of Rap Back, FCPS background checks only provided a "snapshot in time," meaning that any criminal activity that occurred after the check was conducted would not be detected. With the arrival of Rap Back, this reactive safety measure is being transformed into a proactive safeguard for the entire school community.
Starting in the next few months, all employees, independent contractors, and Level 3 volunteers will be enrolled into the Rap Back system. This system, launched on July 1, continuously monitors criminal records for these individuals. The Virginia State Police will receive any new criminal reports added to employee records and immediately notify FCPS.
The authority overseeing the implementation of this new system is the Fairfax County Police Department. Maintaining a safe learning environment for students and staff remains the highest priority for FCPS Superintendent Michelle Reid.
The Rap Back system not only monitors criminal records in Virginia, but also receives FBI reports from other states. This means that FCPS will be alerted in real-time for arrests, convictions, and other criminal offenses committed by its employees, volunteers, and contractors.
It is important to note that the self-reporting arrest requirement remains in effect for employees even with the new system. This requirement ensures that employees disclose any arrests or criminal charges, regardless of whether they have been processed or not.
The Rap Back system is currently being piloted by FCPS before it is rolled out statewide. By adopting Rap Back, FCPS is setting a precedent for other school districts in Virginia and demonstrating its commitment to the safety and well-being of its community.
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