Some agencies are already mandated through licensing to conduct criminal background checks. These agencies are exempt from this ordinance, but still require submission of a Compliance Form to identify why the agency is exempt.

As the ordinance states, and in accordance with Penal Code Section 11105.3, the appropriate method for conducting a criminal background check includes the submission of fingerprints.

The agency responsible for the processing of fingerprints and criminal records is the Department of Justice (DOJ), a division of the Office of the Attorney General. Complete information can be found on their Fingerprint Submissions website.

Social Security numbers or other personal identification information-only background checks alone are not sufficient to meet the City's ordinance. Although an organization may choose to screen volunteers and staff through one of the various commercial service providers, to comply with the ordinance, background checks must be completed using fingerprints.

Nonprofit agencies can apply to receive the related criminal background information from the Department of Justice referred to as the Criminal Offender Record Information, or CORI. The Authorization Request Form For Youth Organizations / Human Resource Agencies package required to become certified as a records custodian can be printed from the DOJ website (requires Adobe Acrobat Reader).

Once authorized, nonprofit organizations can obtain State criminal background checks for no cost. Federal background checks can be obtained for an additional fee, as applicable.

For assistance with the fingerprints and criminal background check, contact:

State of California Department of Justice
Record Security Section
P.O. Box 903387, C-121
Sacramento, CA 94203-3870
http://caag.state.ca.us/fingerprints/index.htm

Contact: Records Security Section: (916) 227-2928 or (916) 227-4148

The application packet for non-profit agencies to obtain authorization for receipt of criminal background information, Authorization Request Form for Youth Organizations/Human Resources Agencies, can be downloaded from the Department of Justice. This is a .PDF file located here:
http://ag.ca.gov/publications/crimrecpkg.pdf

The Department of Justice website states the following:

Live Scan is the electronic fingerprint submission format and there are several Live Scan locations within San Mateo County. The current list can be found on the DOJ Applicant Live Scan page. There may be a Live Scan rolling fee to the service provider in addition to any fingerprint submittal fees for DOJ. These fees and acceptable payment methods are noted on the DOJ website.