How to Obtain Your Clearances
Joining the Annville Cleona Fire Department (ACFD) as a volunteer is a commendable decision that requires fulfilling specific clearance requirements in accordance with Pennsylvania law.
To ensure the safety and well-being of the community, all applicants must complete certain criminal background checks before being approved as volunteers. Below are the steps you need to take to obtain these clearances.
Important Notes
Residency Requirement: Applicants who have lived in Pennsylvania for at least 10 years are not required to obtain the FBI Criminal Background Check. However, if you have lived in the state for less than 10 years, you must obtain all three clearances.
Submission: It is preferred, but not required, to have your clearances ready and available for upload as part of your membership application.
1. Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance
Who Needs This: All applicants, regardless of their length of residency in Pennsylvania.
How to Apply: Submit your application online through the Child Welfare Information Solution (CWIS) self-service portal. You will be able to view and print your results online once they are processed.
Cost: Free for volunteers.
Questions: For questions related to the Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Certification , please contact the ChildLine Verification Unit at 717-783-6211 or toll free at 1-877-371-5422.
2. Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Background Check (PATCH)
Who Needs This: All applicants, regardless of their length of residency in Pennsylvania.
How to Apply: Apply online through the Pennsylvania Access To Criminal History (PATCH) system. Results are often available immediately, but if not, you can log back into PATCH to view and print your results once processed.
Cost: Free for volunteers.
Questions: If you have questions about the Pennsylvania State Police Request for Criminal History Record Check form for employment (SP4 164) or to volunteer (SP4-164A), please call: Toll-free 1-888-783-7972.
3. FBI Criminal Background Check (Fingerprinting)
Who Needs This: Applicants who have resided in Pennsylvania for less than 10 years.
How to Apply: Pre-register with IdentoGo for fingerprinting using service code 1KG6ZJ to ensure your background check is processed for the correct purpose. After pre-registering, schedule a fingerprinting appointment at a nearby IdentoGo center.
Cost: $24.20 for volunteers (as of 2024)
Questions: For questions about FBI clearances, contact the ChildLine Verification Unit at 717-783-6211 or 1-877-371-5422. For IDEMIA registration, processing, or billing questions, please contact IDEMIA/IdentoGo at 1-844-321-2101.