Key Takeaways
- A police check is a list of your disclosable criminal history held by police agencies.
- Employers use these checks to make sure people are safe to work in certain roles.
- You must provide specific identity documents to start the process.
- The check results are usually sent as a certificate or a digital report.
- In sectors like aged care, these checks are often a legal requirement.
What is a Police Check?
A police check is a formal process used to look at your criminal history. It involves a search of police records across different states and territories. The goal is to find out if you have any past legal issues that might affect your ability to do a job or volunteer. When the search is finished, you receive a document. This document is often called a National Police Certificate.
This process is not the same as a simple background check. It is a formal search of the databases held by the police and the national criminal intelligence agency. It looks for specific things like court outcomes and pending charges. You will often hear this called a National Police Check or a Criminal History Check.
Why You Need a Police Check
You might need this check for many reasons. Most of the time: it is because you are applying for a new job or a volunteer role. Employers want to make sure they are hiring people who are honest and safe. This is very important when the job involves working with people who are at risk.
Here are the main reasons you might be asked for one:
- Employment: Many companies require a check before they give you a job offer.
- Volunteering: Non-profit groups use these checks to protect the people they serve.
- Licensing: If you want to be a taxi driver or a security guard: you often need a check.
- Insurance: Some insurance policies require workers to have a clean record.
- Trust: It helps build trust between you and the person or group hiring you.
The Different Types of Checks
There are different ways to get a check done. The type you need depends on your situation and what your employer asks for.
- National Police Check: This is the most common type. It covers all states and territories in the country.
- State-Based Checks: Sometimes: a specific state police force will run the check just for their area.
- International Police Check: If you have lived in another country: you might need a check from that country too.
- Working with Children Check: This is a different kind of screening. It is specifically for people working with minors. It often includes a police check as part of a larger review.
The Application Process: Step by Step
Getting a police check is a structured process. You can usually do it online or in person at a police station or a post office.
Step 1: Provide Your Personal Details
You must give your full name: any previous names (like a maiden name): your date of birth: and your current address. You will also need to list where you have lived for the last five years.
Step 2: Prove Your Identity
You must show that you are who you say you are. This usually follows a "100-point" system or a specific set of categories. You will need to provide:
- Commencement Documents: Such as a birth certificate or a current passport.
- Primary Documents: Such as a driver's license or a marriage certificate.
- Secondary Documents: Such as a Medicare card: a credit card: or a student ID.
Step 3: Consent
You must give your written permission for the check to happen. Without your consent: nobody can look at your police records.
Step 4: The Search
Once you submit the form: the agency sends your details to the national database. The system looks for any matches with criminal records. If there is a match: the police will review it to see if it can be shared.
Step 5: The Result
You will receive your certificate. It will either say "No Disclosable Court Outcomes" or it will list your past legal issues.
What Information Shows Up on the Record?
Not everything you have ever done will show up on a police check. The information that is shared is called "Disclosable Court Outcomes."
This usually includes:
- Convictions: When a court finds you guilty of a crime.
- Findings of Guilt: Even if the court did not record a formal conviction.
- Sentences: The punishment you received from the court.
- Pending Charges: Crimes you have been accused of but have not gone to court for yet.
Things that usually do not show up include:
- Infringement Notices: Such as a speeding ticket or a parking fine.
- Spent Convictions: These are old: minor crimes that are removed from your record after a certain amount of time.
- Diversion Programs: If you finished a program to avoid going to court.
How Long is a Check Valid?
A police check is a "point in time" document. This means it is only accurate on the day it was issued. It does not have an official expiry date like a driver's license. However: most employers have their own rules.
In many industries: you will need to get a new check every three years. Some employers might ask for one every year. If you have a break in your employment: you might need to get a new one before you start again. It is your responsibility to check with your employer about how often you need to renew it.
Police Checks in the Aged Care Sector
In the aged care sector: police checks are very important. They are often required by law. This is because workers are looking after older people who might be frail or vulnerable.
If you work in aged care: the following rules usually apply:
- Mandatory Screening: Every staff member and volunteer must have a check.
- Record Keeping: The aged care home must keep a record of your check and when it expires.
- Reporting: If you are charged with a crime after you get your check: you must tell your employer right away.
- Specific Exclusions: There are certain crimes that might stop you from working in aged care forever. This includes crimes involving violence or dishonesty toward older people.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get the results?
Most checks are finished within a few business days. However: if your name is similar to someone else with a record: it might take longer. In those cases: a police officer must manually check the files. This can take up to ten business days or more.
Can I use the same check for two different jobs?
This depends on the employer. Some companies will accept a check you got recently for another job. Others will insist that you get a brand-new check through their own system. Always ask the hiring manager before you pay for a new one.
What if there is a mistake on my certificate?
If you see something on your record that is wrong: you can dispute it. You will need to contact the agency that issued the check. You may have to provide more evidence to show that the record does not belong to you or that the information is incorrect.
Will a police check show my medical history?
No. A police check only looks at criminal records. It does not show your health records: your credit score: or your school grades.
Keeping Your Background Information Current and Clear
Having a current police check is a part of being a professional in many fields. It shows that you are ready to work and that you value the safety of others. By understanding how the process works: you can make sure your application moves forward without any delays.
Keep your documents organized and be honest about your history. If you know you have something on your record: it is often better to talk to your employer about it early. Many employers look at the type of crime and how long ago it happened. Being open and clear helps everyone stay safe and builds a better environment for everyone.
