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HCPS Office of Internal Investigations

Background checks and fingerprinting are conducted in order to maintain a safe and healthy environment within Harford County Public Schools. Our goal of continuously promoting the physical, social, and psychological well-being of our students is accomplished through the initiation of adequate background investigations of all personnel as required by law.

Fingerprint appointments are only available to HCPS new hires or when the Office of Internal Investigations notifies an individual of the need to reprint due to clarification. If there is a question regarding this process or an issue scheduling an appointment, please contact the Office of Internal Investigations at 410-588-5247.  

A fee in the amount of $60.00 (non-refundable/non-reimbursable) will apply for fingerprint processing; payable online through PayPal or by check/money order payable to Harford County Public Schools. Fingerprint cards and background checks from other school systems, government offices, or police agencies will not be accepted.


Fingerprinting Information

To complete a background check:
  • Schedule an appointment by clicking on the "Click Here To Schedule a Fingerprinting Appointment" link below.

  • An I-9 Form is required to verify the identity and employment authorization of each new employee, both citizen and non-citizen hired after November 6, 1986, to work in the United States. Please click on the following link to access and complete the required sections of the I-9 form: https://secure.i9.talx.com/preauthenticated/LoginCAPTCHA.ascx?Employer=15815. Bring the acceptable required documents for employment to your fingerprint appointment.

  • All prospective employees must bring a state ID and social security card to their background check appointment. We cannot accept copies of identification. Failure to bring the requested documentation will result in a need to reschedule.

  • **Student Interns do not complete the I-9 form, it is only for paid positions**

Fingerprinting Appointments



Please click on the links below to schedule or cancel a fingerprint appointment.


Frequently Asked Questions

  • Effective 7/01/2023:  A fee in the amount of $60.00 (non-refundable/non-reimbursable) will apply for fingerprint processing; payable online through PayPal or by check/money order payable to Harford County Public Schools. Fingerprint cards and background checks from other school systems, government offices, or police agencies will not be accepted.
  • Appointments are available for HCPS new hires or when the Office of Internal Investigations notifies an employee of the need to reprint due to notification by CJIS. Please click on the "Click Here To Schedule a Fingerprinting Appointment" link to access the online appointment scheduling site.
  • Processing: Fingerprints are processed through CJIS, the Criminal Justice Information System, and are reviewed by the state of Maryland and the FBI.
  • Rejected Fingerprints: Occasionally, fingerprints are rejected due the quality of characteristics of the prints, if this does occur, you will be notified of the need to schedule an appointment with the Office of Internal Investigations to reprint.
  • Expiration of Criminal Background Investigations:  Completed criminal background investigations will remain valid indefinitely unless a period of 365 calendar days or more elapses without service and/or employment.
  • Employee Identification Badges: Employee identification badges will be issued at the discretion of the Office of Internal Investigations. This determination will be based on hire date and assignment. If needed, your photo will be taken at the time of your background check/fingerprint appointment.
  • Additional Information: If you have additional questions or require assistance with the online scheduling process, please contact:

Office of Internal Investigations
7:30 am - 4:30 pm
410-588-5247  

The Harford County Public School System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic identification, political affiliation, or disability in matters affecting employment or in providing access to programs to employees. Inquiries related to the policies of the Board of Education of Harford County should be directed to the Communications Office at 410-588-5203.