Tag: criminal history

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VECHS Program

Answers to all frequently asked questions about VECHS program

1. What is the difference between the National Child Protection Act (NCPA) and the Volunteers for Children Act?

 

Names you may hear that refer to the same federal law and its amendment are as follows: the National Child Protection Act, the Foley Act, and the Volunteers for Children Act.  These laws are sometimes named for sponsors or persons who supported the new laws or amendments.  For the purposes of the available criminal history information, these different names refer to the same basic law.  Section 943.0542 of the 1999 Florida Statutes was enacted to implement this federal legislation.

 

2. On what legislation is the VECHS program based?

 

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement initiated the VECHS program in 1999, after the Florida Legislature enacted section 943.0542 of the Florida Statutes (1999).  This statute is based upon the National Child Protection Act (NCPA), as amended.  The federal guidelines for the NCPA offer further interpretations of the NCPA, along with mandates for states that choose to implement corresponding legislation and programs.  The federal guidelines apply to the interpretation of our legislation in Florida, and therefore, to the implementation of the VECHS program.

Although FDLE desires to offer the broadest services and protection available under the authorizing legislation, we are not permitted to expand the parameters of the governing laws.

 

3. What is a “qualified entity”?  Who can obtain criminal history record checks under the NCPA and section 943.0542, Florida Statutes?

 

To be qualified to participate in the VECHS program, an entity must provide some type of “care” or “care placement services” for children, the elderly, or the disabled, even if only as a limited part of the entity’s overall business.  Once qualified to participate in the program, an entity may request criminal history information on all current and prospective employees and volunteers, not only those who work with vulnerable persons.  A qualified entity may also request criminal history information on employees or volunteers who have or who seek to have unsupervised access to the populations described above.

“Qualified entities” are authorized to obtain criminal history record information as described under the NCPA and related federal guidelines.  Under the NCPA and our Florida statute, a “qualified entity” is a business or organization, whether public, private, for profit, not-for-profit, or voluntary, that provides care or care placement services, including a business or organization that licenses or certifies others to provide care or care placement services.  “Care” means the provision of care, treatment, education, training, instruction, supervision, or recreation to children, the elderly, or individuals with disabilities.

 

4. If I am now required to only obtain state criminal history record checks, can I request the additional national check through the VECHS program?

 

This program does not apply to those entities or persons currently required to have criminal history record checks under other statutory provisions. These entities and persons should continue to follow the statutory mandates that specifically apply to them. One exception to this might be for entities now required to obtain only state record checks on some or all of their employees or volunteers. If these entities wish to also obtain national record checks on the same employees or volunteers, the VECHS program may be able to assist by processing their required state checks, along with the national checks, through one system.

If an entity is required to obtain state and national checks on only specific types of employees or volunteers, the VECHS program may be able to process requests for state and national checks on the entity’s other employees or volunteers.

 

5. Who are considered “children, the elderly, or individuals with disabilities” under the applicable laws and the VECHS program?

 

The term “child” means any unmarried person under 18 years of age, who has not been emancipated by order of the court. An “elderly person” is a person who is 60 years of age or older. “Individuals with disabilities” are persons with a mental or physical impairment who require assistance to perform one or more daily living tasks.

 

6. How can my organization become a qualified entity?

 

If you believe your business or organization meets the criteria of a “qualified entity”, you may download and complete a copy of the Qualified Entity Application and the User Agreement from  http://www.fdle.state.fl.us/content/getdoc/9023f5ac-2c0c-465c-995c-f949db57d0dd/VECHS.aspx. Or you may contact the VECHS Unit at the Florida Department of Law Enforcement at (850) 410-VECHS (850-410-8324), to request a copy of each document be mailed to you.

Your next step would be to complete the application, explaining what functions the entity performs that would serve children, elderly or disabled persons, and whether the requests for criminal history records would be for your entity’s employees or volunteers. You would then have an authorized representative of the entity sign the User Agreement, stating that your entity will abide by all laws, regulations, and instructions pertaining to this program, particularly that your entity will use the criminal history information supplied through the program only to screen your entity’s employees and volunteers.

When you have completed the Qualified Entity Application and User Agreement and obtained the necessary signatures from a representative of your entity, you will need to send the originals of both documents to the VECHS Unit. We will accept an initial faxed copy of both documents, to expedite the qualifying process. However, prior to forwarding fingerprint cards to your entity or processing any requests for criminal history record checks, we will need the original, signed application and agreement from your entity.

 

7. What happens once I submit my Qualified Entity Application and User Agreement?

 

FDLE staff will review the application. If it is determined that your organization meets the requirements, FDLE will provide you with:

•Instructions regarding how to submit the fingerprint cards and payments for the criminal history information.

•Fingerprint cards on which the employees or volunteers will have their fingerprints rolled.

•A Waiver form must be signed by the employee or volunteer.

 

8. If my entity is governmental and we currently obtain some state and national checks for certain employees, can we use our current ORI number to receive state and national criminal history checks on other employees or volunteers through the VECHS program?

 

No, you may not use any ORI Number you have been assigned previously to process your requests for record checks through the VECHS Program. Upon your approval to participate in the VECHS program, depending upon the volume of fingerprint cards you predict you will need, FDLE will either provide you with fingerprint cards preprinted with the VECHS Program ORI Number, or we will request the FBI to issue your agency a new ORI number and to mail you new fingerprint cards preprinted with this new number for your use with the VECHS Program.

 

9. If my organization is approved to participate in the VECHS program, will my organization be required to obtain criminal history record checks on my current or prospective employees and volunteers?

 

Participation in the VECHS program is strictly voluntary for those organizations that are not otherwise required to obtain criminal history record checks on their employees and volunteers. The NCPA does not replace the existing Florida statutes that mandate state and national criminal history record checks for employees of specified caretaker programs, which include, but are not limited to the following: school district instructional and non-instructional personnel; nursing home administrators and financial officers; and child care, substance abuse, mental health, and developmental service programs. If your organization is presently required to obtain criminal history checks on employees and/or volunteers, you must continue to do so under the applicable Florida law.

 

10. Is there a fee for this service?

 

Yes. There are both State and National fees associated with conducting background checks through VECHS. Electronic Fingerprint Submission by IDENTICO LLC is rated as $47.25 for volunteers and $54.25 for employees. Screening is made on live scan equipment.

 

11. What will I receive when I submit the request for criminal history check

 

If FDLE qualifies your entity to participate in the VECHS program, and your entity submits authorized requests and payment for criminal history record information to FDLE, FDLE/the FBI will provide either of the following to your entity, for each criminal history record request:

a) a notification that the individual as described the fingerprint card does not have a criminal history record; or

b) a copy of the individual’s criminal history record. In addition, FDLE will advise the entity if the individual is subject to a Florida warrant for arrest or a Florida Domestic Violence injunction and what agency has the warrant for injunction.

 

12. How long will it take me to get the results?

 

The NCPA requires FDLE and the FBI to make a reasonable effort to return your criminal history information within 15 business days. This does not include mail time. Currently, FDLE processes Florida record checks within approximately five or less business days from the date appropriate requests for criminal history record checks and payments are received. FDLE is constantly exploring alternative ways to reduce this turnaround time. Errors on the fingerprint cards or in the amount of the payment may require additional time to process the requests or may require the requests to be returned to your correction.

FDLE is able to obtain both state and national responses more quickly if the fingerprints are submitted in an automated form from a live scan device. These devices are expected to become more and more available to applicants over the next few years. They allow for the fingerprints to be sent immediately to FDLE. The FDLE and the FBI processing are completed in about three working days, at which time the customer can retrieve state and national results on the applicant.

 

13. How should my organization use the results of our requests for criminal history records check?

 

You will need to review the information to determine if there is any reason that the employee or volunteer should not be allowed to work with children, the elderly, or the disabled. If no criminal history record is found, you should not necessarily assume that there are no risks to employing or using the volunteer services of the individual. Simply stated, “no record” means that he or she does not have an arrest or conviction known to FDLE or the FBI. Other recommended practices would include checking former places of employment, conducting neighborhood interviews, obtaining information from local law enforcement agencies, and asking for more information from individual.

If the employee or volunteer has a criminal record, you should evaluate whether the individual should be permitted contact with children, the elderly, or the disabled. Neither the National Child Protection Act nor Florida law governing the VECHS program defines specific criteria to use during this evaluation of an entity’s employee or volunteer. Therefore, FDLE does not set specific criteria either.

Background screening by your organization may already be covered under other statutory provisions. Your organization will need to comply with all required screening criteria under these laws. If these laws apply to you, and if your organization should decide to disqualify an individual during the screening process the employee or volunteer may have a right to contest or request an exemption from the disqualification. Please consult with your legal representative for more advice on these provisions and how they apply to your organization.

The U.S. Department of Justice has published a document that might be helpful to your organization as you screen your current and prospective employees and volunteers: Guidelines for the Screening of Persons Working with Children, the Elderly, and Individuals with Disabilities in need of support. (April 1998).

 

Juvenile Justice Clearinghouse (NCJRS)

P. O. Box 6000

Rockville, MD 20849-6000

Phone: 1-800-638-8736

Fax-on-Demand: 1-800-638-8736 (restrictions apply)

Online: www.ncjrs.org/ojjhome.htt

 

You may also exchange the results of your state and national criminal history record checks with those of other qualified entities, if the employee or volunteer has agreed to this in the Waiver form signed at the time of fingerprinting, and if youfollow specific procedures in recording the exchange of the information. This exchange of information, depending on its timeliness, may assist you and other qualified entities in reducing the costs of criminal history records checks on the same persons. It may also assist all qualified entities in screening out those employees or volunteers who should not be in contact with vulnerable individuals.

 

14. Can I get information from other qualified entities if they have already checked my employees and volunteers?

 

You may obtain criminal history information from other qualified entities, if the employee or volunteer agreed to this on the Waiver form required to be signed when he/she was fingerprinted, and if the transfer of information is recorded by the other qualified entity on its Dissemination Log. The restrictions on this process described in the User Agreement qualified entities must sign.

 

15. For what period of time should I rely on the criminal history record that I received on employee or volunteer?

 

The criminal history repository is a dynamic file with new arrests added daily and changes frequently. Currency of information is critical because the qualified entities will want to know about all arrests, no matter how recent. On the practical side, however, the qualified entities will not be able to request the criminal history information daily. Each qualified entity will have to determine how frequently its employees or volunteers need to be checked. The qualified entity will also need to determine whether criminal history information available from another qualified entity is too old to use for its screening purposes.

 

16. What if there is no disposition in the criminal history record showing what happened in court?

 

When the court disposition of a Florida arrest is sent to FDLE, it is added to the criminal history record. If there is an arrest in the Florida criminal history record of the employee or volunteer that does not reflect a court disposition, FDLE will not have any further information on that specific arrest. The qualified entity may determine if the nature of the arrest is something that it would be concerned about if the employee or volunteer were convicted. If the court disposition is important, the qualified entity may call the Clerk of Court in the county where the arrest took place. The Clerk will retrieve and provide the court disposition if one is available. There may be a charge for this service depending on which county you contact. FDLE has a list of phone numbers for Florida Clerk of Court. This will be provided to qualified entities.

When the court disposition on an arrest from another state is missing, the same process can be followed. FDLE, however, does not have a listing for all of the Clerks of Court or their equivalent in other states. If the qualified entity needs the court disposition in these cases, it will be necessary to work with the repository in the state of arrest or contact the court which heard the case.

 

17. Why aren’t sealed and expunged data returned to VECHS entities?

 

Florida law restricts the dissemination of sealed and expunged data to agencies and purposes outlined in the law itself. See s. 943.0585 (4)(a), Florida Statutes for more details.

 

18. Is it possible that VECHS agencies will be able to access criminal history records with terminals connected directly to FDLE?

 

VECHS entities are allowed to access criminal record information only after the submission of descriptive and fingerprint information on the employee or volunteer. There is no direct terminal access for this access. However, VECHS entities can submit the data from a “livescan” device which transfers the data electronically to FDLE and allows the electronic transfer of results in two or three working days.

 

19. Can I contact my local law enforcement to do VECHS check?

 

Law enforcement agencies are not authorized to conduct searches for VECHS entities through the Florida Crime Information Center. If they do so, the agency could be cut off and not allowed to access state or national criminal information systems. Local agencies may provide data from local systems. The only authorized way for the VECHS entity to obtain state or national criminal information is through the submission of fingerprint card or through approved live scan vendors.

 

20. How often will VECHS audits be performed?

 

There is not a scheduled time for VECHS audits. They will be scheduled periodically and a sample of agencies will be audited. Some audits may be conducted via a telephone interview, a letter asking specific questions or an on-site audit. When questions arise regarding the confidentiality or the security of information from a specific qualified entity, FDLE may conduct an audit of the entity to ensure the all provision in the user agreement are being enforced.

 

21. If I deny a person the opportunity to volunteer with or be employed by the qualified entity, may I give a copy of the FDLE and FBI criminal record to this applicant? What if the applicant indicated that record is incorrect?

 

If a person challenges his or her opportunity to volunteer or be employed, and the reason for the decision was based on criminal history results, the person can be shown the criminal history record after ensuring the identity of the requestor. If the challenge results in civil litigation, a copy of the record can be provided for the purpose of a hearing, but cannot be part of any record or file available to the public.

If the person believes his or her criminal record is in error, he or she may contact FDLE in correcting the record.

 

22. Does FDLE maintain the records of all arrests, including Notices to appear and direct files?

 

FDLE’s criminal record repository contains information on all arrested persons in Florida where the arresting agency submitted a fingerprint at the time of the arrest. For the most part, this means that all felony and serious misdemeanor arrests are available. However, if there was not an arrest but, rather, a Notice to Appear was issued or the State Attorney issued a Direct File, this information would not be “fingerprint based” and therefore not be contained in the criminal repository.

 

23. Does FDLE maintain a record of all criminal history records in the nation or just for the state of Florida?

 

The FDLE repository contains Florida arrest information only. Arrests by the federal government or another state are not included in the Florida repository. VECHS customers are eligible for the out-of-state criminal record information and will be provided it either directly from FBI or FDLE.

 

24. May VECHS fingerprints be submitted electronically from livescan device?

 

Live scan devices allow for fingerprint information to be sent to FDLE electronically which speeds up the entire process. The descriptive data on the applicant as well as the fingerprints are sent in electronically to FDLE. The state and national criminal record search results are packaged together for each applicant and are made available to the regulatory agency within two to three working days.

Categories
VECHS Program

FDLE VECHS program for private schools. Background screening on teachers and school volunteers

If your organization is a private school in need for criminal history search on staff and volunteers, or maybe background checks are required for your school in order to participate in scholarship programs, then VECHS program run by Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) is exactly what you need.

 

VECHS (Volunteer and Employee Criminal History System) program had been established by FDLE to assist with checking the background of persons who work or volunteer with children, the elderly, or the disabled under the National Child Protection Act (1993), as amended, and section 943.0542, Florida Statutes (1999). VECHS program is created for entities not required to obtain Level 2 background screening clearance according to statutory provision.

 

First of all contact The Florida Department of Education (DOE) Office of Independent Education and Parental Choice and verify who exactly in your organization is required to be fingerprinted. Next step is the enrollment into VECHS program and this is how you do it. Private schools are authorized to participate in FDLE’s Volunteer and Employee Criminal History System (VECHS) because of the service they offer to Children. VECHS is a voluntary program — however; under the provisions of Section 1002.421, F.S., private schools participating in scholarship programs must conduct criminal history record checks on employees and contracted personnel. Those criminal history checks will be conducted through the FDLE VECHS program.

 

Enrollment materials include the VECHS Application and User Agreement. Both of these documents must be submitted to FDLE via mail as they must be signed by the appropriate school authority. The forms may be printed from the internet, completed, signed and mailed to FDLE.FDLE will mail these forms to private schools upon request.

 

Here is the description of what is involved in screening process after your entity is signed up. You will be provided with a packet of information from the VECHS program. It will include:

A cover letter giving your account numbers to use. These are your Qualified Entity Numbers. One is for employees and contracted personnel and the other is for volunteers. While s. 1002.421, F.S. indicates that, in order to receive scholarship money, employees and contracted personnel must submit fingerprints, some schools may want to check volunteers as well. Using the volunteer entity number for checking volunteers will result in a reduced fee.

 

Forms and information for submitting fingerprints electronically. These forms are required regardless of whether your private school purchases a livescan device or if the employees and contracted personnel go to a “service provider” or another livescan device owner and have the fingerprints taken and submitted by this company.

 

Fingerprint cards and instructions on how to complete them. As of July 1, 2007, submissions for employees and contracted personnel must be made electronically. You have the choice of continuing to submit your volunteers via hard card fingerprint card or you can submit them electronically.

 

A Private Schools Waiver Agreement and Statement to be signed by each employee, contracted person or volunteer that you submit.

Contacts for criminal record repositories in other states which are useful in obtaining additional criminal history information.

Florida Clerks of Court and their contact information. This contact information may be needed when there is an arrest in Florida but the criminal record does not indicate whether the offender was convicted.

Instructions as to how a person can obtain his or her own criminal record for review and possible correction, which may be given to an employee, contracted person or volunteer.

 

A sample dissemination log which must be used if a private school shares criminal history information with another private school. Private schools may NOT share criminal history information with any VECHS entities except other private schools registered with VECHS. Private schools are the only VECHS entities authorized to receive sealed information and expunge notifications.

 

Similarly, private schools may not use criminal history results obtained for employees or contracted personnel for volunteers or vice versa. If a volunteer becomes an employee, that person’s fingerprints should be submitted again under the Employee Qualified Entity Number; the volunteer results should NOT be used to screen the candidate as an employee. Likewise, employee results should not be used to screen a person for a volunteer position. The rules for criminal history information sharing are included in the User Agreement, signed by all private schools participating in the VECHS program.

 

∗ Reminders of important provisions regarding the VECHS program.

∗ Fingerprint card submission checklist.

∗ Results definitions.

∗Instructions for procedures for “name‐based” searches from the FBI to be used when the subject’s fingerprints are rejected twice based on poor fingerprint quality.

 

Another question, what does the law mean when it says that fingerprints must be submitted electronically?

As of July 1, 2007, s. 1002.421, F.S. requires all fingerprint submissions for employees and contracted personnel be made electronically. Fingerprints submitted “electronically” are fingerprints taken on a “livescan” device and submitted electronically to FDLE. It can also include fingerprints taken with ink on a hard copy fingerprint card that are subsequently scanned and submitted electronically to FDLE. These electronic submissions are processed through FDLE’s Civil Workflow Control System.

 

Go ahead and ask, what is the Civil Workflow Control System (CWCS)?

The Civil Workflow Control System (CWCS), pronounced “QUICKS”, is an automated system used to receive process and respond to electronic applicant submissions. Processing that once took several weeks with fingerprint cards now takes 24 – 72 hours with electronic submissions. CWCS allows different types of applicants to be scanned on a single device and allows input from a variety of livescan devices that adhere to FDLE and FBI standards and requirements.

 

Very natural question you may have, so what do I need to do to start submitting electronically?

 

∗ First, you must already be a registered VECHS entity.

∗ Second, you must complete the CWCS VECHS Customer Registration Form and return it to FDLE. Once the information is registered in our systems, you will receive an e‐mail notification that you can start submitting electronically.

∗ Third, you must make arrangement to be fingerprinted on a livescan device

 

You may ask where can I get fingerprinted on a livescan device and submit electronically.

 

Private schools have the following options in submitting fingerprints electronically:

∗ Purchase own livescan device. While the cost may be prohibitive it can be cost effective depending on the number of submissions necessary for your school.

∗ Use “service providers” like IDENTICO LLC to submit fingerprints electronically on your behalf.

∗ Inquire to other livescan device owners, such as local school boards, if they are willing to assist with your electronic submissions.

 

We know the biggest question you have, what are the costs associated with criminal history record checks for private school employees and contracted personnel?

The fee may vary from vendor to vendor, but certainly consider IDENTICO LLC as the most competitive livescan vendor with aggressive pricing. Our standard individual VECHS Employee screening rate is $54.25 and  VECHS Volunteer screening rate is only $47.25. There are some discounts available for larger groups, and it worth to consider since there is no traveling fee for groups of 10 or more employees at single location. We’ll come to you and fingerprint all teachers and volunteers with convenience and efficiency you haven’t seen before.

 

So you paid for the screening and fingerprinting, and you want to know how would you receive and view the criminal history results after submitting electronically?

Criminal history results for electronic submissions are posted to FDLE’s secure mail application called “CertifiedMail”. Once the criminal history results are ready, the private school will receive an e‐mail notification, containing the link to the application. The viewing of criminal history results will occur within this secure application.

 

There are several more frequently asked questions on fingerprinting for private schools in Florida; therefore our further questions will be in FAQ format.

 

What is meant by “retention of applicant fingerprints for reverse searches” and “arrest hit notifications”?

Section 1002.421, F.S. instructs FDLE to retain fingerprints submitted by the private school on or after July 1, 2007. Incoming Florida arrest fingerprints are searched against these retained private school fingerprints. If a fingerprint match is made on an individual, FDLE notifies the private school that the employee or contracted person was arrested, and provides the name of the county where the arrest occurred as well as contact information for the arresting agency. It is important to note fingerprints submitted prior to July 1, 2007, were not retained

 

What are the fees associated with the retention of prints?

The fee for the retention of applicant fingerprints is $6 per year per applicant. The retention of the fingerprints eliminates the necessity to have a future state criminal history record recheck at a cost of $24, since all incoming Florida arrest information is continuously compared to the retained applicant database. If a recheck is required, it would only need to be for a national criminal history record check.

 

To whom may my private school release criminal history information?

With the permission of the applicant, the criminal history information may be shared with other private schools registered with VECHS. Each VECHS private school agrees to only release criminal history information after confirming with FDLE the private school to which they are releasing the information is a current, registered VECHS entity. Such dissemination of criminal history information must be logged by noting what record was released, to whom it was released, and on what date it was released. Also, private schools are required to release the criminal history information to the Department of Education personnel consistent with the applicant’s approval on the waiver form.

 

Are owners under the same requirements as private school employees and contracted personnel?

The provisions in s.1002.42(2)(c)1, F.S., were not changed. Private school owners must have fingerprints taken and sent to FDLE for a state‐level criminal history record check upon taking ownership. FDLE will return the state criminal record or an indication that there is not a state record to the school so that it can be made available for public inspection and sent by the school to DOE. The owner fingerprint submissions must be on a fingerprint card that clearly indicates, “State check only”.

 

The owner’s fingerprint submission may not be submitted with the VECHS account information. If state and national criminal record checks are required as a part of scholarship funding, the owner will have to submit under VECHS in addition to the State Level check defined in s.1002.42 (2)(c) 1 F.S.

 

Now let us explain the definition of the word Criminal History Background Check: The term “background check” has been used interchangeably with “criminal history check” or “criminal history background check” which has caused some confusion. From the FDLE perspective, a background check is a criminal history record check to determine if a person has been arrested and/or convicted of a crime. Although some companies use the phrase background check to include drivers record checks, credit checks, or interviews with neighbors and employers, for purposes of this paper, it includes the search of following databases:

∗ The Florida Computerized Criminal History Central Repository for Florida Arrests (STATE CHECK);

∗ The Florida Computerized Criminal History Central Repository for Florida arrests AND the national criminal history database at the FBI for federal arrests and arrests from other states (STATE AND NATIONAL CHECK)

∗ The Florida Crime Information Center for warrants and domestic violence injunctions (HOT FILES CHECK)

 

The national check is based on the submission of fingerprints. For State checks, submissions maybe based on a name (or descriptors) or fingerprints.

Level 1 and Level 2 Background checks: Level 1 and Level 2 Background Checks are terms used in Florida Statutes to convey the method of the criminal record check and the extent of the data searched, however, the terms may also refer to certain disqualifying offenses if certain statutes are used as reference. Level 1 and Level 2 are terms that pertain only to Florida and are not used by the FBI or other states. They are defined in Chapter 435, F.S., but are used elsewhere in statute without definition and appear not to be associated with all of the provisions in chapter 435.

 

∗ Level 1 generally refers to state only name based check AND an employment history check

∗ Level 2 generally refers to a state and national fingerprint based check and consideration of disqualifying offenses, and applies to those employees designated by law as holding positions of responsibility or trust. Section 435.04, mandates that Level 2 background security investigations be conducted on employees, defined as individuals required by law to be fingerprinted pursuant to Chapter 435

 

It should be noted that both the state and national criminal history databases can be searched for arrests, warrants, and other information pertaining to an individual, however neither database has the capability of searching for specific offenses on an individual records

 

What is the difference between the National Child Protection Act and Volunteers for Children Act?

Names you may hear that refer to the same federal law and its amendment are as follows: the National Child Protection Act, the Foley Act, and the Volunteers for Children Act. These laws are sometimes named for sponsors or persons who supported the new laws or amendments. For the purposes of the available criminal history information, these different names refer to the same basic law. Section 943.0542 of the 1999 Florida Statutes was enacted to implement this Federal legislation.

 

On what legislation the VECHS program based?

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement initiated the VECHS program in 1999, after the Florida Legislature enacted section 943.0542 of the Florida Statutes (1999). This statute is based upon the National Child Protection Act (NCPA), as amended. The federal guidelines for the NCPA offer further interpretations of the NCPA, along with mandates for states that chose to implement corresponding legislation and programs.

The federal guidelines apply to the interpretation of our legislation in Florida, and therefore, to the implementation of the VECHS program. Although FDLE desires to offer the broadest services and protection available under the authorizing legislation, we are not permitted to expand the coverage of the governing laws.

 

Please visit http://www.myidentico.com/answers-to-all-frequently-asked-questions-about-vechs-program/ for more details on VECHS program.

As FDLE authorized live scan vendor IDENTICO LLC does everything possible to support children and student safety in the communities and schools. If you are the entity approved to use VECHS screening, please contact us with any questions or quote requests. We’ll do everything possible to keep the cost of services affordable and the quality above standards. Please call (954) 239-8590/ toll-free (888) 988-8969 or visit our official webpage for more information on all background screening and fingerprinting needs.

 

Sincerely,

 

IDENTICO LLC.

Categories
STUDENT SCREENING

IDENTICO’s Procedures for the Effective and Proper Live Scan Fingerprinting Operations

In recent years, the demand for fingerprint-based background checks for noncriminal justice purposes has increased. Fingerprinting agencies and contractors alike have expressed concern that applicants with a criminal history record may have someone pose as the applicant for fingerprinting purposes. In response to these concerns, the FBI prepared guidelines for voluntary use in the development of policy, procedures, and practices for applicant identity verification. As FDLE approved Live Scan vendor IDENTICO LLC had implemented the majority of guidelines in our operation policies.

 

Our policies:

 

1. Since the Florida state repository (FDLE) manages the processing of fingerprint submissions to the FBI, we have ascertained that appropriate coordination and liaison with FDLE is established at that level as a preliminary step toward an applicant identity verification program.

 

2. Each of our fingerprinting technicians went through extensive 2 week long training in the capture of fingerprints (rolled or flats, and electronic or manual)

 

3. Each of our fingerprinting technicians went through extensive 2 week long training before performing duties under the scope of the identity verification program, which may include recognizing and validating authorized identification forms, identification documents, and source documents for identity confirmation. Special training is intended for employees to learn how to recognize fraudulent or counterfeit documents.

 

4. IDENTICO accepts only current and valid picture identification documents. As a primary form of picture identification, a state-issued driver’s license which meets the requirements of Public Law 109-13 may be presented by an applicant when being fingerprinted. However, in the absence of the driver’s license, for those applicants without a driver’s license, a state identification card may be presented if the state’s identification card standards are the same as for the driver’s license.

 

Applicants may provide one or more secondary documents including:

• State Government Issued Certificate of Birth
• U.S. Active Duty/Retiree/Reservist Military Identification Card (000 10-2)
• U.S. Passport
• Federal Government Personal Identity Verification Card (PIV)
• Department of Defense Common Access Card
• U.S. Tribal or Bureau of Indian Affairs Identification Card
• Social Security Card (Required by most regulating Florida State agencies for submission)
• Court Order for Name Change/Gender Change/Adoption/Divorce
• Marriage Certificate (Government Certificate Issued)
• U.S. Government Issued Consular Report of Birth Abroad
• Foreign Passport with Appropriate Immigration Document(s)
• Certificate of Citizenship (N560)
• Certificate of Naturalization (N550)
• INS I-551 Resident Alien Card Issued Since 1997
• INS 1-688 Temporary Resident Identification Card
• INS I-688B, I-766 Employment Authorization Card

 

When validating the authenticity of secondary identification documents and forms, the data and information may be supported by at least two of the following:
• Utility Bill (Address)
• Jurisdictional Voter Registration Card
• Vehicle Registration Card/Title
• Paycheck Stub with Name/Address
• Jurisdictional Public Assistance Card
• Spouse/Parent Affidavit
• Canceled Check or Bank Statement
• Mortgage Documents

 

When supplemental documentation does not support the validation of the original identification documents, IDENTICO may choose any or all of the following methods to validate the authenticity of the documents:

 

Physically examine the applicant’s photograph on the identification form/card. Visually compare the picture with the applicant in person.Compare the physical descriptors of the applicant to the documentation provided by the applicant. (i.e. height, weight, hair and eye color, age, etc.)
Request the applicant to verbally provide date of birth,address, etc. and check this against the identification forms used.
Check the applicant’s signature in person with that on the identification form.
Ensure that the identification form has not been altered in any manner.
Verify that the ID swipe machine readable data matches the data on the card when it is scanned.

 

5. When IDENTICO has a reason to believe an applicant has presented fraudulent information, we do not provide any services and ask applicants to contact local law enforcement agencies for assistance.

 

6. IDENTICO has implemented the form(s), which includes the following data provided by applicant:

 

a. Date of fingerprinting
b. Reason for fingerprinting
c. Printed name and signature of the applicant
d. Applicant’s employment information
e. ORI# and OCA# numbers of agency to receive fingerprints
f. Name of agency and physical address where fingerprinting was performed
g. Type of fingerprint capture (rolled ink, flat ink, live scan, etc.)
h. Applicant’s disclosure information

 

If you have any concerns, regarding our policies or service procedures, feel free to contact us anytime before visiting. We will gladly answer to all calls received at (954) 239-8590, and emails sent to info@myidentico.com. Our goal is to be compassionate and to understand each client’s needs, however our ID recognition and authentication policies are intended for public safety and fully compliant with state and federal laws.

 

Sincerely,

The team of IDENTICO LLC.

Categories
Florida Office of Financial Regulation Background Screening

Fingerprinting for Florida Mortgage Broker License

The Level 2 Background Screening for Florida Mortgage Broker License  is required by F.S. 494.0032

 

All license applicants  must submit fingerprints in accordance with rules adopted by the Financial Services Commission:

 

1. The fingerprints may be submitted to the registry, the office, or a vendor acting on behalf of the registry or the office.

2. The office may contract with a third-party vendor to provide live-scan fingerprinting in lieu of a paper fingerprint card.

3. A state criminal history background check must be conducted through the Department of Law Enforcement, and a federal criminal history background check must be conducted through the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

4. All fingerprints submitted to the Department of Law Enforcement must be submitted electronically and entered into the statewide automated fingerprint identification system established in s. 943.05(2)(b) and available for use in accordance with s. 943.05(2)(g) and (h). The office shall pay an annual fee to the department to participate in the system and inform the department of any person whose fingerprints are no longer required to be retained.

5. The costs of fingerprint processing, including the cost of retaining the fingerprints, shall be borne by the person subject to the background check.

 

The Florida Office of Financial Regulation will not begin its review of Mortgage Broker License application until all the items listed below have been received:

 

o Form MU1 filed through NMLS
o Statutorily required application fee and guaranty fund fee ($425 + $100)
o FBI criminal history background check results (control persons)
o FDLE criminal history background check results (control persons)
o Credit report (control persons)

 

 

Fingerprints must be submitted to a live scan vendor approved by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, such as IDENTICO LLC. , for submission to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for a state criminal background check and to the Federal Bureau of
Investigation for an FBI criminal background check (ORI Number: FL921050Z). The cost of fingerprint processing is $54.25/applicant and shall be borne by the applicant and paid directly to the Live Scan vendor. Resubmission of the prints for the state criminal background check may be required if incorrect information (social security number, date of birth, etc…) is provided to the Live Scan vendor. Resubmission of prints will result in additional costs to the individual being reprinted.

 

 

The Mortgage Broker Licensing in Florida is regulated by the Office of Financial Regulation.  In order to get fingerprinted as part of your Mortgage Broker Licensing application please contact IDENTICO LLC today. We are FDLE approved Live Scan vendor, and we electronically transmit your fingerprints for FBI Level 2 Background Check so the Florida Office of Financial Regulation  gets the results of screening in as less as 72 hours. The cost of screening is $54.25. Visit our official website www.myidentico.com or call us today (954) 239-8590 for more information.

 

We have an open door policy at our office located at 3948 Pembroke Road, Suite E, Pembroke Park, FL, 33021, however if you would like to schedule an appointment at certain time, please visit “Schedule the Appointment Now” and we’ll serve you first regardless of any wait line. We have a mobile fingerprinting unit, which can travel to your location anywhere in South Florida and gets the job done. Traveling fees may apply, please call to schedule.

 

 

Categories
Florida Office of Financial Regulation Background Screening

Fingerprinting for Florida Mortgage Lender License

The Level 2 Background Screening for Florida Mortgage Lender License  is required by F.S. 494.00611

 

All license applicants  must submit fingerprints in accordance with rules adopted by the Financial Services Commission:

 

1. The fingerprints may be submitted to the registry, the office, or a vendor acting on behalf of the registry or the office.

2. The office may contract with a third-party vendor to provide live-scan fingerprinting in lieu of a paper fingerprint card.

3. A state criminal history background check must be conducted through the Department of Law Enforcement, and a federal criminal history background check must be conducted through the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

4. All fingerprints submitted to the Department of Law Enforcement must be submitted electronically and entered into the statewide automated fingerprint identification system established in s. 943.05(2)(b) and available for use in accordance with s. 943.05(2)(g) and (h). The office shall pay an annual fee to the department to participate in the system and inform the department of any person whose fingerprints are no longer required to be retained.

5. The costs of fingerprint processing, including the cost of retaining the fingerprints, shall be borne by the person subject to the background check.

 

The Florida Office of Financial Regulation will not begin its review of Mortgage Broker License application until all the items listed below have been received:

 

o Form MU1 filed through NMLS
o Statutorily required application fee and guaranty fund fee ($500 + $100)
o FBI criminal history background check results (control persons)
o FDLE criminal history background check results (control persons)
o Credit report (control persons)

 

Fingerprints must be submitted to a live scan vendor approved by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, such as IDENTICO LLC. , for submission to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for a state criminal background check and to the Federal Bureau of
Investigation for an FBI criminal background check (ORI Number: FL921050Z). The cost of fingerprint processing is $54.25/applicant and shall be borne by the applicant and paid directly to the Live Scan vendor. Resubmission of the prints for the state criminal background check may be required if incorrect information (social security number, date of birth, etc…) is provided to the Live Scan vendor. Resubmission of prints will result in additional costs to the individual being reprinted.

 

The Mortgage Broker Licensing in Florida is regulated by the Office of Financial Regulation.  In order to get fingerprinted as part of your Mortgage Broker Licensing application please contact IDENTICO LLC today. We are FDLE approved Live Scan vendor, and we electronically transmit your fingerprints for FBI Level 2 Background Check so the Florida Office of Financial Regulation  gets the results of screening in as less as 72 hours. The cost of screening is $54.25. Visit our official website www.myidentico.com or call us today (954) 239-8590 for more information.

 

We have an open door policy at our office located at 3948 Pembroke Road, Suite E, Pembroke Park, FL, 33021, however if you would like to schedule an appointment at certain time, please visit “Schedule the Appointment Now” and we’ll serve you first regardless of any wait line. We have a mobile fingerprinting unit, which can travel to your location anywhere in South Florida and gets the job done. Traveling fees may apply, please call to schedule.

 

 

Categories
Division on Licensing Background Screening

Fingerprinting for “D” Security License and “C” Private Investigator License in Florida

Per Florida Statute 493, the Division of Licensing of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is responsible for security officers (“D” License) and private investigator licensing (“C” License) in Florida . Background screening is a part of license application, and it is conducted by submitting the set of fingerprints for FBI Level 2 Background Check. Submission can be made by hard copy or via live scan vendors approved by FDLE and DOACS.

 

During D license application processing the Division of Licensing will request an examination of fingerprint records and police records. When a criminal history analysis of any applicant under chapter 439 is performed by means of fingerprint card identification, the time limitations prescribed by s. 120.60(1) shall be tolled during the time the applicant’s fingerprint card is under review by the Department of Law Enforcement or the United States Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation.

 

If a legible set of fingerprints, as determined by the Department of Law Enforcement or the Federal Bureau of Investigation, cannot be obtained after two attempts, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services may determine the applicant’s eligibility based upon a criminal history record check under the applicant’s name conducted by the Department of Law Enforcement and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. A set of fingerprints taken by a law enforcement agency and a written statement signed by the fingerprint technician or a licensed physician stating that there is a physical condition that precludes obtaining a legible set of fingerprints or that the fingerprints taken are the best that can be obtained is sufficient to meet this requirement.

 

If you are applying for Florida Security or Private Investigator License in Miami, Broward, Palm Beach or Martin counties, please call IDENTICO today, for in office or mobile fingerprinting appointment. IDENTICO is FDLE approved Live Scan vendor, and we use electronic fingerprinting solutions in transmitting your fingerprints for FBI Level 2 Background Check, so Division of Licensing receives the results of screening in as less as 72 hours. The cost of screening is $48.25. Visit our official website www.myidentico.com or call us today (954) 239-8590. We have an open door policy at our office located at 3948 Pembroke Road, Suite E, Pembroke Park, FL, 33021, however if you would like to schedule an appointment at certain time, please visit http://www.myidentico.com/hitappoint/ and we’ll serve you first regardless of any wait line.

 

Sincerely,

IDENTICO LLC.

Categories
DCF Background Screening Live Scan Fingerprinting in Florida (General)

Fingerprinting and Level 2 Background Checks for Guardian ad Litem program in Florida

Florida House Bill CS/HB 5401 had amended the Florida Statute 39.821 regarding the qualifications of guardians ad litem in Florida.

 

(1) Because of the special trust or responsibility placed in a guardian ad litem, the Guardian Ad Litem Program may use any private funds collected by the program, or any state funds so designated, to conduct a security background investigation before certifying a volunteer to serve. A security background investigation must include, but need not be limited to, employment history checks, checks of references, local criminal history records checks through local law enforcement agencies, and statewide criminal history records checks through the Department of Law Enforcement. Upon request, an employer shall furnish a copy of the personnel record for the employee or former employee who is the subject of a security background investigation conducted under this section. The information contained in the personnel record may include, but need not be limited to, disciplinary matters and the reason why the employee was terminated from employment. An employer who releases a personnel record for purposes of a security background investigation is presumed to have acted in good faith and is not liable for information contained in the record without a showing that the employer maliciously falsified the record. A security background investigation conducted under this section must ensure that a person is not certified as a guardian ad litem if the person has an arrest awaiting final disposition for, been  convicted of, regardless of adjudication, entered a plea of nolo contendere or guilty to, or has been adjudicated delinquent and the record has not been sealed or expunged for, any offense prohibited under the provisions listed in s. 435.04. All applicants certified on or after July 1, 2010, must undergo a level 2 background screening pursuant to chapter 435 before being certified. In analyzing and evaluating the information obtained in the security background investigation, the program must give particular emphasis to past activities involving children, including, but not limited to, child-related criminal offenses or child abuse. The program has the sole discretion in determining whether to certify a person based on his or her security background investigation. The information collected pursuant to the security background investigation is confidential and exempt from s. 119.07(1).

 

If you represent the Guardian ad Litem program in South Florida and located in Miami, Broward, Palm Beach or Martin counties, please call IDENTICO LLC today, for office or mobile fingerprinting appointment. IDENTICO is FDLE approved Live Scan vendor, and we use electronic fingerprinting solutions in transmitting your fingerprints for FBI Level 2 Background Check so the results of screening are available in as less as 72 hours. The cost of screening is $41.25. Visit our official website www.myidentico.com or call us today (954) 239-8590 or (888) 988-8969.

 

We have an open door policy at our office located at 3948 Pembroke Road, Suite E, Pembroke Park, FL, 33021, however if you would like to schedule an appointment at certain time, please visit http://www.myidentico.com/hitappoint/ and we’ll serve you first regardless of any wait line.

 

Sincerely,

The team of IDENTICO LLC.

Categories
AHCA Background Screening DCF Background Screening Department of Health Background Screening

Fingerprinting and Criminal History Check for Florida Medicaid Providers’ Enrollment

Criminal History Requirements

Criminal history checks are required for both enrolling and re-enrolling Medicaid providers. The following individuals in each provider organization are required to have criminal history checks:

All partners or shareholders with an ownership interest of five percent or more;
All officers (this includes the president, vice president, etc.);
All directors (this is the board of directors);
Financial records custodian;
All billing agents;
All managing employees or affiliated persons, including pharmacy managers;
All individuals authorized to sign on the account used for electronic funds transfer.

If individuals belong to more than one of the above categories, they only require one criminal history check.

 

Fingerprint Cards Requirements

The criminal history check is conducted based on the applicants’ fingerprints. Applicants are required to submit a copy of their fingerprints on the fingerprint card included in the Florida Medicaid Provider Enrollment Application package.Providers may not use other types of fingerprint cards. Additional cards can be obtained from the fiscal agent or any area Medicaid office.

 

Payment for Criminal History Check

Provider applicants are required to submit a check made payable to the Agency for Health Care Administration for each fingerprint card submitted with the Enrollment Application.

 

Criminal History Check Process

The fiscal agent submits the fingerprint cards to FDLE. FDLE conducts a state criminal-background investigation that is called a Level 1 check. FDLE forwards the fingerprints to the FBI for a national criminal-history record check. This is called a Level 2 check.

 

Rejected Fingerprint Cards

Applicant fingerprint cards that are rejected by the FBI will be returned directly to Medicaid Contract Management. Rejected fingerprint cards will be accompanied by a United States Department of Justice Form 1-17 A, Rev 5-2-96, or Form 1-12, Rev 4-28-97, that lists the various reasons a fingerprint card may be rejected. If a fingerprint card is rejected, it will be necessary for the applicant to submit a new fingerprint card.

 

In order to preclude duplicate payments and to receive a complete FBI record, the applicant must submit the rejected fingerprint card along with a new fingerprint card to Medicaid. If the second card is rejected and returned by the FBI, additional payment will be required before a third submission. Failure to successfully submit a new fingerprint card may result in denial of a pending enrollment or termination of an active provider.

 

Exemption For Board Members

Board members of a not-for-profit corporation or organization are exempt from the criminal history check if they meet all of the following criteria:
Serve solely in a voluntary capacity; Do not regularly take part in the day-to-day operational decisions of the corporation or organization; Receive no remuneration from the corporation or organization for their service on the board of directors; Have no financial interest in the corporation or organization; and Have no family members with financial interest in the corporation or organization.

 

To obtain the exemption, the corporation or organization must submit a NonProfit Organization Volunteer Board Member Affidavit for Exemption from Medicaid Criminal History Checks along with a list of the board members’ names and social security numbers. The Non-Profit Organization Volunteer Board Member Affidavit for Exemption from Medicaid Criminal History Checks is an attachment to the Florida Medicaid Provider Enrollment Application, AHCA Form 2200-0003, F.A.C.

 

Note: A Non-Profit Organization Volunteer Board Member Affidavit for Exemption from Medicaid Criminal History Checks may be obtained from the Medicaid fiscal agent by calling Provider Enrollment at 800-289-7799 and selecting Option 4 or by downloading the form from the Medicaid fiscal agent’s Web Portal at http://mymedicaid-florida.com. Click on Public Information for Providers, then on Provider Support, and then on Enrollment.

 

Exemption for Providers

The following providers are exempt from the criminal history check:

Hospitals licensed under Chapter 395, Florida Statutes. (This exemption does not apply to the physicians’ groups, laboratories, pharmacies, or other non-institutional providers that are not licensed under Chapter 395, but are owned by or affiliated with the hospital.)

 

Nursing facilities, hospices, assisted living facilities, and adult family care homes licensed under Chapter 400, Florida Statutes. (This exemption does not apply to the physicians’ groups, laboratories, pharmacies, durable medical equipment companies or other non-institutional providers not licensed under Chapter 400, but are owned by or affiliated with the nursing facilities, hospices and assisted living facilities.)

 

School districts.
Units of local government. (This exemption does not apply to nongovernmental providers and entities that contract with the local government to provide Medicaid services. The contracted entities are responsible for the cost of the criminal history checks for all applicable staff and management.)

 

Any business that derives more than 50 percent of its revenue from the sale of goods to the final consumer AND either the business or its
controlling parent is required to file a form 10-K or similar statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission OR the business has a net
worth of $50 million or more. (This exception is designed primarily to exclude large pharmaceutical companies. The business must submit its
annual report including audited financial statements or 10-K Form with the exemption request.)

 

To obtain the exemption, the provider must submit an FDLE Criminal History Check and Fingerprinting Exemption Request. The FDLE Criminal History Check and Fingerprinting Exemption Request is an attachment to the Florida Medicaid Provider Enrollment Application, AHCA Form 2200-0003, which is incorporated by reference in 59G-5.010, F.A.C.

 

Note: An Exemption Request form may be obtained from the Medicaid fiscal agent by calling Provider Enrollment at 800-289-7799 and selecting Option 4 or by downloading the form from the Medicaid fiscal agent’s Web Portal at http://mymedicaid-florida.com. Click on Public Information for Providers, then on Provider Support, and then on Enrollment.

 

Exemption for Government Entities with Previous Criminal History Checks

If a government agency or government-owned facility already obtains criminal history checks on its employees, Medicaid does not require another check if the following criteria are met:
The government agency or government-owned facility submits documentation in the form of a letter or official form from the screening agency, which specifies the applicant’s name and dates of the FDLE and FBI criminal history checks;
The previously completed criminal history check is no more than 12 months old as of the date of receipt of the application; and Medicaid reserves the right, on a case-by-case basis, to reject any criminal history check deemed questionable, or to require that a new criminal history check be completed and the appropriate fee submitted to cover payment required by FDLE.
Criminal history check exemption policies for government agencies apply to hospital taxing districts, such as the North Broward Hospital District; state agencies, such as county health departments; and state university system facilities, such as the University of Florida, Shands Teaching  Hospital.

 

Exemption for DCF License

Criminal history checks are not required for medical foster care or private transportation providers who have a Florida Department of Children and Families license.

 

Exemption for Physicians, RNs and ARNPs

Criminal history checks are not required for physicians, podiatrists, chiropractors, registered nurses, and advanced registered nurse  practitioners who are currently licensed through the Florida Department of Health (DOH). If an Alabama or Georgia provider is designated as an in-state provider and has a current Florida DOH license, then a criminal history check is not required. However, if the provider does not have a valid Florida DOH license; then a fingerprint card and a criminal history check is required.

 

Criminal History Check by Other Agencies

Medicaid accepts criminal history checks conducted by other Florida agencies or departments that have been completed within 12 months of receipt of the application. The provider must submit a letter or official form from the agency that conducted the criminal history check with the Enrollment Application. The letter or form must specify the applicant’s name, Social Security Number, date the criminal history check was completed, the level of the screening and the results. Medicaid Provider Enrollment will review the information and approve or deny
the application.

 

At this time Florida Medicaid Provider Enrollment is managed by third party vendor -HP. The submission of fingerprints for Medicaid Provider Services Level 2 Background Check is allowed by two methods. IDENTICO LLC– is FDLE approved live scan vendor provides physicians’ groups, laboratories, pharmacies and other non-institutional providers that are not licensed under Chapter 395, but are owned by or affiliated with the hospital, with solutions to comply with fingerprinting and background screening requirements of Medicaid Enrollment.

 

a)     We can collect and submit fingerprints electronically on our Live Scan Equipment, at your location or ours. This way fingerprint cards are not required, we provide all necessary prove of individuals transaction records, including the TCN numbers. The cost of such screening is $54.25/person, you don’t have to send $43.25 check to AHCA, and this fee is included in our rate. Traveling fees may apply for mobile fingerprinting appointments.

 

b)      We can capture fingerprints old fashion way on hard-copy fingerprint card. The client has to provide us specifically pre-printed cards made exclusively for Medicaid Provider Services. Such fingerprint cards can be requested from Medicaid Enrollment. The fee is $15/card, you would have to attach $43.25 fee payable to AHCA along with your enrollment application and the card. Traveling fees may apply for mobile fingerprinting appointments. Hard copy method is recommended for individuals with poor quality fingerprints, such prints have a high change to be denied by FBI as illegible.

 

Please contact us for more information. Visit our official website www.myidentico.com or call us today (954) 239-8590. We have an open door policy at our office located at 3948 Pembroke Road, Suite E, Pembroke Park, FL, 33021, however if you would like to schedule an appointment at certain time, please visit http://www.myidentico.com/hitappoint/ and we’ll serve you first regardless of any wait line.

 

Mobile unit appointments need to be scheduled by phone only .

Categories
VECHS Program

What is the VECHS screening and what entities are eligible to use it?

VECHS (pronounced “vecks”) is an acronym for the Volunteer & Employee Criminal History System at the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). The VECHS program was implemented in 1999 and is authorized by the National Child Protection Act (NCPA) (1993), as amended, and Florida Statute 943.0542 (1999).

 

The mission of the program is to protect children, the elderly, and the disabled by Checking the Background of Persons Who Work or Volunteer with Children, the Elderly, or the Disabled Under The National Child Protection Act (1993), as amended, and section 943.0542, Florida Statutes (1999)

 

Through the VECHS program, FDLE and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) provide to qualified organizations (not individuals) in Florida state and national criminal history record information on applicants, employees, and volunteers. With this criminal history information, the organizations can more effectively screen out those current and prospective volunteers and employees who are not suitable for contact with children, the elderly, or the disabled.

 

Generally, to be qualified to participate in the VECHS program, an organization (public, private, profit, or non-profit) must provide “care” or “care placement services”, as defined in the above laws, to children, the elderly, or the disabled.

 

The VECHS program is not available to organizations currently required to obtain criminal history record checks on their employees and/or volunteers under other statutory provisions, such as day care centers. Those organizations must continue to follow the statutory mandates that specifically apply to them. If, however, an organization is required to obtain state and national checks on only specific types of employees or volunteers, the VECHS program may be able to process requests for state and national checks on the organization’s other employees or volunteers.

 

To become a qualified organization and to obtain criminal history record information through the VECHS program at FDLE, an organization will need to do the following:

 

Submit an application to FDLE explaining what functions the organization performs that serve children, elderly or disabled persons;
  Sign an agreement that the criminal history information would be used only to screen employees and volunteers of that organization for employment purposes;
  Submit $54.25 for each employee or $33.25 for each volunteer fingerprint card submission.
  Submit $43.25 for each employee or $33.25 for each volunteer electronic submission;
If an organization becomes qualified and provides the required information for criminal history record requests, FDLE, with the assistance of the FBI, will provide the organization with the following:
An indication that the person has no criminal history, i.e., no serious arrests in state or national databases, if there are none;
  The criminal history record (RAP sheet) that shows arrests/and or convictions for Florida and other states, if any;
  Notification of any warrants or domestic violence injunctions that the person may have.
Categories
DBPR Background Screening

Fingerprinting for Real Estate License in Florida

The Level 2 Background Screening for Florida Real Estate Broker License, Florida Real Estate Sales Associate License, Florida Real Estate Agent License, Real Estate School administrators and Real Estate Appraisers license in Florida in mandated through F.S. 475.175. The statute says:

 

475.175 Examinations.—

(1) A person shall be entitled to take the license examination to practice in this state if the person:

 

(a) Submits to the department the appropriate signed or electronically authenticated application, digital fingerprint data, and fee. The digital fingerprints shall be forwarded to the Division of Criminal Justice Information Systems within the Department of Law Enforcement for purposes of processing the fingerprints to determine if the applicant has a criminal history record. The fingerprints shall also be forwarded to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for purposes of processing the fingerprints to determine if the applicant has a criminal history record. The information obtained by the processing of the fingerprints by the Department of Law Enforcement and the Federal Bureau of Investigation shall be sent to the department for the purpose of determining if the applicant is statutorily qualified for examination.

 

(b) Submits at the time of examination the certificate specified in subsection (2), the examination admissions authorization letter, and proof of identification.

 

(2) Each accredited college, university, community college, or registered real estate school shall notify the commission of the names of all persons who have satisfactorily completed the educational requirements provided for in s. 475.17(2), (3), and (4) in a manner prescribed by the commission. Furthermore, each such educational institution shall provide to each person satisfactorily completing the educational requirements provided for in s. 475.17(2), (3), and (4) a certificate as proof of such satisfactory completion.

 

The Real Estate licensing is regulated by Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. In order to get fingerprinted as part of your real estate license application please contact IDENTICO LLC today. We are FDLE approved Live Scan vendor, which transmits your fingerprints for FBI Level 2 Background Check and DBPR will get the results of screening in as less as 72 hours. The cost of screening is $54.25. Visit our official website www.myidentico.com or call us today (954) 239-8590. We have an open door policy at our office located at 3948 Pembroke Road, Suite E, Pembroke Park, FL, 33021, however if you would like to schedule an appointment at certain time, please visit http://www.myidentico.com/hitappoint/ and we’ll serve you first regardless of any wait line.

 

Sincerely,

IDENTICO LLC.