General Questions
What is Rap Back?
Rap Back (Record of Arrest and Prosecution Background) is a national service provided by the FBI that enables continuous criminal history monitoring of enrolled individuals.
How is Rap Back different from a traditional background check?
Traditional checks are one-time snapshots. Rap Back provides ongoing, real-time monitoring and alerts for any new criminal activity.
Who operates Virginia Rap Back?
The Virginia State Police (VSP) administer the program in partnership with the FBI.
Eligibility & Enrollment
Is my agency eligible?
If your agency is authorized to receive Criminal History Record Information (CHRI) and serves vulnerable populations, you likely qualify. Contact VSP to confirm eligibility.
Can private companies or nonprofits enroll?
Currently, Rap Back is prioritized for government agencies and state-licensed organizations. Contact VSP for case-by-case evaluation.
How long does onboarding take?
Typical onboarding takes 2-4 weeks, depending on training completion and form submission.
Is Rap Back enrollment automatic?
No. Agencies must actively enroll each eligible individual following a fingerprint-based background check.
Do we need to re-fingerprint existing employees?
Yes, existing employees must be fingerprinted with Rap Back enrollment indicators to be enrolled.
Costs & Billing
What does Rap Back cost?
$12 per individual for enrollment, plus $12 annually for subscription renewal.
Are there additional fees?
Standard fingerprint/background check fees apply separately.
How are renewals billed?
Renewals are billed annually on the anniversary of each individual’s enrollment date.
Notifications & Monitoring
What types of events trigger notifications?
Arrests, court dispositions, and other criminal history updates reported to the FBI.
Who receives notifications?
Designated agency contacts who have completed required training and background checks. Agencies must confirm continued authority to receive the individual’s criminal history record.
Compliance & Security
How is our data protected?
VSP adheres to FBI CJIS Security Policy, with encryption, access controls, and audit logging.
What if we outsource IT functions?
You must comply with the Security and Management Control Outsourcing Standard for Non-Channeling.
Do we need annual training?
FBI Cyber Security Awareness training must be renewed every two years.
Subscription Management
How do we cancel a subscription?
Use the cancellation function in the subscriber portal or contact VSP.
Can we reinstate a canceled subscription?
Yes, within 60 days of cancellation, via the portal’s reinstatement feature.
What happens when an enrolled employee leaves their position?
Cancel their subscription promptly to maintain accurate records.
Can subscriptions be reinstated if canceled in error?
Yes, agencies may request reinstatement within sixty (60) days of cancellation.
Do subscriptions auto-renew?
Yes, if payment is received. You’ll receive reminders before expiration to obtain renewal confirmation.
What are the consequences of unauthorized use or disclosure of Rap Back information?
Violations may result in criminal penalties, loss of Rap Back access, and other legal consequences.