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The Fairfax County Public Schools District will soon use the Rap Back service, a criminal background check monitoring system.

In 2025, section § 52-46 of the Code of Virginia was updated to create the Record of Arrest and Prosecution (Rap) Back, a criminal record monitoring system. It was intended to empower government agencies to run background checks on anyone who might provide care to:

• Children.
• The elderly.
• Disabled individuals.

Agencies that utilized this program were informed the Department of State Police would notify them if a screening was done on an applicant and a hit was found in an FBI database. The information could then be used to help each organization determine whether their candidate was eligible for hire. Rap Back was made available as of July 1, 2025.

VA School District Will Use Rap Back

Now that Rap Back is live, it was announced the Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) District will start using it for their screening and ongoing monitoring purposes. They are the first district to take advantage of the service.

A superintendent spoke about this and said: "Maintaining a safe learning environment for our students and staff remains our highest priority. By leading the way in adopting this enhanced background check system, we are converting a reactive safety measure into a proactive safeguard for our entire school community."

How It Will Work

When educational facilities in the Fairfax area start utilizing this program, the following will occur:

• Schools will enroll individuals in the Rap Back service.
• This will include employees, independent contractors and Level 3 volunteers.
• The Virginia State Police will monitor databases for any new criminal record reports and inform the district immediately if any are reported.
• Employees will still be called upon to self-report if they are arrested for any reason.

The FCPS will be the first district, but over time all schools in Virigina are expected to adopt this practice.

The Importance Of Monitoring

Before an employer allows someone to represent their brand, they typically run a comprehensive background check to find out if the person has serious criminal records, the required education and employment history, or any necessary licenses or certifications. Most organizations may also want a simple way to ensure those individuals remain eligible for continued employment.

Monitoring can show employers if someone who does work on their behalf:

• Incurs a new criminal record.
• Loses a required license or credential.
• Has some other change to their record.

These powerful tools help organizations maintain safe workplaces and continue their due diligence practices.

Need Employment Background Checks?

If your organization needs employment background checks for applicants, employees, contractors or volunteers, please contact us. Our friendly, experienced team can help you customize screening packages that meet your specific needs and comply with relevant laws. We also offer a robust suite of monitoring tools.

Backgrounds Online is a Consumer Reporting Agency that is proudly accredited by the Professional Background Screening Association (PBSA). Based in California, we are available to assist you Monday through Friday from 5am to 6pm PT.