A National Police Check Search involves identifying and releasing any relevant Australian Federal Police (AFP) information subject to relevant spent convictions, non-disclosure legislation and information release policies. A Police Check can only be undertaken with the informed consent of the person being checked.
Why Should I Care If a Company Does/Doesn't Conduct a Police Check?
Police Checks serve to protect an organisation's employees, productivity, performance, resources, clients, culture and reputation. By carrying out Police Checks, an Organisation is showing due diligence and care. It exemplifies that the company values their reputation, team culture and clients. When a Police Check is included in a company's pre-employment screening, you can feel assured that safety is a top priority at your potential workplace.
What Does a National Police Check Contain?
A National Police Check contains a summary of a person's history information in Australia. This includes all findings of guilt unless spent. Whether a finding is spent will depend on state and federal legislation, but generally, a spent finding is a criminal offence older than 5 years if convicted as a child, or an offence older than 10 years in any other case.
When Does a National Police Check Expire?
This Certificate is current as of the date of issue. As it is a point in time check, there is no associated validity period. It is at the employer's discretion to regulate what period of time a Police Check is valid.
In 70% of cases, the National Police Certificate will be received within 1 hour after submitting the application. On some occasions though, the check may take up to 10 business days to be returned. If this happens, it may be because the application has been flagged for further review if it has been matched against somebody on the database with a similar name, gender and/or date of birth. When this occurs, there is a review process that is undertaken where each of Australia's police agencies are consulted to resolve the match. Your Application can only be processed once you have submitted all of your valid documents (signed Informed Consent Form and four identity documents).
Is a Police Check the Same as a Working with Children Check?
No, the Working With Children (WWC) Check and a Police Check are different certificates.
Is There a Minimum Age to Require a Police Check?
You must be over 16 years of age to order a Police Check. However, anyone under the age of 18 years must have the consent of a parent, guardian or legal representative.
Can I Check Someone Else's Criminal Record?
Other than checks for police investigation/prosecution purposes, no one is permitted to check another person's police record without their consent.
What Documents Do I Need to Prepare When Ordering a Police Check?
two secondary use in the community documents.
remotely, by sighting a copy of each document submitted by the applicant through the post or by email.
(g) certificate of evidence of resident status.
(f) for persons under 18 years of age with no other Primary Use in Community Documents, a current student identification card with a signature or photo.
What Rights Do I Have When a Police Check is Being Conducted?
No one is permitted to check another person's police record without that person's consent. Individuals have the right to privacy and freedom from discrimination. The relevant legislation is Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities 2006, Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014: Organisations, Australian Human Rights Commission Act 1986 (Cth) and the Australian Human Rights Commission Regulations 1989 (Cth).
What Should I Do Once I Have the Results of a Police Check?
Evidence of rehabilitation including subsequent work experience and character references.
What do I do if I want to dispute the results of my police check?
– The police information belongs to you, but should not have been released.
There is no set turn around time for disputes to be resolved, however we will confirm receipt of the dispute within 72 business hours of your request and provide updates as they become available.
Whether you've been asked for the first time to complete a police check, or you've done it a thousand times, the delicacies surrounding them can be confusing.
We asked Olympic medallist and HR Director of the Year Finalist Fiona Crawford some frequently asked questions, so that you can gain a greater understanding of the importance of police checks and why businesses should be conducting them.
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