The Arkansas State Police (ASP) now offers Arkansas criminal history record checks on-line for classified employees and teachers. These reports are for Arkansas criminal history information only. Other state or FBI information is not included. The on-line service will be available for background checks required to be conducted through Arkansas State Police for the Department of Education.
Each school district may register with the internet service provider at no cost. Upon approval of the registration, the district is allowed to log on to the secure website and submit the request for a background check on-line. The response will be directed electronically to the Department of Education. The Department of Education will provide a “qualified” or “not qualified” indication on the website once the record submitted by the State Police has beeen reviewed.
For the nationwide check, the FBI fingerprint card will still be submitted to State Police with the twenty-four dollar ($24.00) fee and a statement saying that the state background check has been performed.
Under the current paper system, a signed notarized release is required from the subject of the record and that release is sent to ASP. Under the on-line system, the release is not notarized and is kept in the school district file; all that is needed is the applicant/employee’s signature.
Under the current paper system, money is usually sent to ASP for each state record check. Under the on-line system funds can be paid on-line, set up a draft account, pay by credit card, or set up by billing. This will be done through Arkansas.gov, the Information Network of Arkansas (INA), at the time the school district registers for service.
Under the current paper system there is usually a response time of 2-10 days. Under the on-line system, the ASP report is generally returned to the Department of Education instantaneously.
Under the current paper system, the Department of Education gets a report of Arkansas felony and misdemeanor convictions only. Under the on-line system, the Department receives a report of Arkansas felony and misdemeanor convictions AND receives a report of pending felony arrests (that have not gone to court) AND whether or not the applicant is a registered sex offender (all levels one through four).
Under the current paper system, there is a charge of $20.00 per record check. Under the on-line system, there will be a $20.00 per record check request. The annual registration fee with INA of $50.00 is waived for educational institutions.
Visit the web site www.asp.state.ar.us, click on “criminal background checks available now” and then click on “subscribe now” and it will take the operator through the subscription process.
Questions regarding this process should be addressed to Lieutenant Cora Gentry or Ms. Terri Smith.
Lieutenant Cora Gentry
Cora.gentry@asp.arkansas.gov
Arkansas State Police
Identification Bureau
501-618-8516
Ms. Terri Smith
ID Bureau
Arkansas State Police
Monday through Thursday
501-618-8826