You are immediately notified of the results of the National Criminal History Search if a conviction is reported that would deny you eligibility for applying for a credential. This notification is delivered by mail to your last known mailing address. If your private security services business employer is known, the compliance agent of that business is only notified that your application has been denied.
Private Security FAQs
Who is notified if I have a criminal history?
My fingerprints are already on file, but when I submitted a new application I was told to submit them again. Why do I need to send them in again?
Whenever you submit an initial application for a credentialyou must submit for a new criminal history records search with a new fingerprint application, fingerprint cards and fee unless you submitted fingerprints within the previous 120 days.
If fingerprints were submitted within the last 120 days it must have been for the purpose of applying for another credential within the same regulatory program. For example you applied for a registration with the Private Security Services Program and you now wish to apply for a Private Security Services compliance agent certification.
If you are applying under one of the other regulatory programs, Bail Bondsmen, Bail Enforcement Agents, Special Conservators of the Peace or a Tow Truck Driver Authorization, you must submit new fingerprint cards, application and fee. The criminal history eligibility requirements are different for each program.
How long does it take to run the criminal history background search?
A criminal history is normally returned within 30 days after the submission of fingerprints to the Virginia State Police. However, it may take longer if the fingerprints are unclassifiable.
I am changing employers. Should I send in a new registration application? Do I need to be fingerprinted again?
A registration is issued to an individual person and not the employer. Provided your registration is valid, you will not need to submit fingerprints again unless you are registered as armored car personnel.
What is the one registration category that must submit fingerprints with their renewal registration application?
Armored car personnel are required to submit fingerprints each renewal period for a criminal history check. This is a federal requirement regarding the inter-state travel of armored cars.
What does it mean when individual's fingerprints are found to be "unclassifiable"? What happens now?
When the fingerprints are submitted to the Virginia State Police (VSP), they determine if the prints are classifiable or unclassifiable. If they are classifiable, the criminal history is returned to the DCJS. If the fingerprints are unclassifiable, the VSP notifies the DCJS and the applicant is notified to submit another fingerprint card. The second submission is at no cost or penalty to the applicant if returned within 30 days.
For what reasons may DCJS deny a registration, license or certification?
The Criminal Justice Services Board, through DCJS, is obligated to secure the public safety and welfare against incompetent, unqualified, unscrupulous, or unfit persons engaging in the activities of private security services. An individual with a criminal history involving a conviction of a felony or certain misdemeanors may be denied licensure, registration or certification. Any person convicted of a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude (lying, stealing, cheating); assault and battery; damage to real or personal property; controlled substances (drugs) or imitation controlled substances; prohibited sexual behavior; or firearms offenses or any felony may have their application denied. Bail Bondsmen, Bail Enforcement Agents, and SCOP should see their specific FAQ's relating to this question.
The business license application/training school certification application states that all principals and supervisors must submit fingerprints. Who are they?
- "Principal" means any sole proprietor, individual listed as an officer or director with the Virginia State Corporation Commission, board member of the association, or partner of a licensed firm or applicant for licensure.
- "Supervisor" means any natural person who directly or indirectly supervises registered or certified private security services business personnel.
What does the term "date of hire" mean?
This term refers to the date any employee of a private security services business or training school performs services regulated or required to be regulated by DCJS.
Is there a criminal penalty for making a false statement in the personal descriptive information on the fingerprint card?
Yes, it is a class 5 felony.
I have been fingerprinted while I was working as a law enforcement official. Why do I need to submit fingerprints to DCJS Private Security Services Section?
Current and /former law enforcement officials who have been fingerprinted by a federal, state or local law enforcement agency do not register the results with DCJS. Since the criminal history information cannot be distributed to any other source, we cannot obtain the criminal history from a previous employer. Additionally, while one's fingerprints do not change, a criminal history may.
Who needs to submit fingerprints to DCJS?
Fingerprints must be submitted by anyone wishing to receive a credential for any program regulated by the Private Security Services Section at DCJS.
How do I submit fingerprints to DCJS?
Please see the fingerprints page of our website for details.