The state Department of Education (DOE) admitted Monday that the system it uses for school employee criminal background checks is flawed.

It was revealed that five New Jersey public school workers were fired due to arrest records. The DOE admits the employees with criminal pasts slipped through the cracks because the background check process is flawed.

DOE officials say the problem exists for crimes that occur after a person is hired. There is currently no protocol in place that requires local police departments to contact schools about the arrests of current employees.

Those included in the firings were a Bergen County Technical School teacher who is accused of stealing thousands from a widow?s pension and a Fort Lee janitor who allegedly admitted to child abuse.

For an interview with the Bergen County prosecutor on the flawed system, go to channel 612 of your iO digital cable box and select iO extra.