Massachusetts School Finger Prints Employees

Pittsfield schools have signed up to be among the first in the state to take part in a fingerprinting process and national criminal database check for school employees.

A state law passed last year requires most school employees to be fingerprinted and go through more detailed criminal background checks. Potential school employees are checked to see if they have a criminal history in the state.

The new background check system will screen for any possible criminal histories in other states.

The Berkshire Eagle reports that a fingerprinting center has been set up in Pittsfield to handle schools in Pittsfield and other districts.

Pittsfield Schools Superintendent Jacob "Jake" McCandless said the district hasn't yet begun fingerprinting employees. He is still waiting to hear from the state on who will be fingerprinted and when.

[Associated Press]