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Police Check Process

Nationally coordinated criminal history check

How Worker Checks works with the Australian Criminal  Intelligence Commission (ACIC) in the  Police Check process

The police check process is used to help protect the Australian community, the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) works with Australian police agencies and accredited bodies such as Worker Checks to deliver the National Police Checking Service (NPCS or the Service). The Service allows people to apply for a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (check).

A Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check is often required when applying for employment, Australian citizenship, appointment to positions of trust and a variety of licensing and registration schemes. It helps organisations make informed decisions about the suitability of applicants for:

  • recruitment, job applications and pre-employment screening
  • volunteer and not for profit positions
  • working with children or vulnerable people
  • immigration and citizenship
  • visa applications
  • adoption applications
  • occupation related licensing
  • firearm licensing.

Click here to get your Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check with Worker Checks.

 

Police Check process steps:

Step 1—Applicant submits check

An applicant submits an application for a check through either an ACIC accredited body such as Worker Checks.

Step 2—Worker Checks lodges the application

Once Worker Checks verifies the applicant’s identity, they submit the applicant’s personal details provided into the National Police Checking Service Support System (NSS), the national IT system owned and operated by the ACIC.

Step 3—Applicant’s details are searched against national records

The applicant’s personal details are checked against a national database using a name matching algorithm. If the personal details match any police information held in police records, the system will generate a ‘potential match’.

Step 4—Potential match referred to police (Matching)

If the system generates a potential match, it will be referred to the relevant police agency (or agencies) for further assessment. If the police agency confirms the applicant’s details do not match the police information, a ‘No Disclosable Court Outcome’ result will be provided to the accredited body or police agency that submitted the check. If the police agency determines the applicant’s details do match the police information, a referral is generated with the relevant police agency for them to conduct their ‘vetting’ process.

Step 5—Police apply spent conviction legislation and/or information release policies (Vetting)

When an applicant’s personal details match the police information held in police records, the police agencies will determine what information can be released in accordance with the purpose of the check and the relevant spent convictions legislation and/or information release policies. This is commonly referred to as ‘vetting”.

Step 6—Check result is released

Once the police have finished processing the check,Worker Checks can retrieve the check result. On receiving the result, Worker Checks will notify the applicant that the result is available via email and SMS.

Step 7—The check result may be provided to the applicant

Login in to your Worker Checks account to view your certificate.

 

Government Accredited

Worker Checks Pty Ltd is an Accredited Body with the Australian Criminal Intelligence  Commission (ACIC).

Authorised to access the National Police Checking  Service.

Worker Checks Pty Ltd  have been assessed and approved against  strict security and compliance requirements.

Click here to view ACIC Accreditation

The Benefits of Police Checks

Benefits with Police Checks

✅ Ensure Peace of Mind with a Worker Checks Police Check! ✅

Benefits of Police Checks – know before your trust At Worker Checks we understand the importance of safety and security. That’s why we’re proud to offer comprehensive suite of police checks to help you make informed decisions and foster a trusted environment. 🚔🔒

Whether you’re a business owner looking to hire reliable staff, a landlord seeking trustworthy tenants, or a community organization prioritizing community welfare, Worker Checks police checks provide a thorough assessment of individuals’ criminal history. 🕵️‍♀️💼🏠

Benefits of Police Checks – Why choose Worker Checks police checks?

🔵 Rigorous screening: We conduct meticulous background checks to ensure accuracy and reliability.

🔵Wide coverage: Our checks include Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check, AFP Police Check and International Police Check – leave no stone unturned.

🔵 VEVO checks to ensure your workers are legal to work in Australia

🔵 Fast turnaround: Get results swiftly, minimising delays in your decision-making process.

🔵 Confidentiality guaranteed: Your privacy is our priority, and all information remains strictly confidential and extremely secure on our award nominated private blockchain platform.

🔵 Government Accredited with the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission

Join countless satisfied clients who trust our police checks to make informed choices and maintain a secure environment. Don’t compromise on safety!

Visit the Worker Checks website to initiate the process. Together, let’s build a safer and stronger community! 💙🤝

What happens if you fail a police check?

If you fail a police check, it means that there is information in your background that raises concerns or does not meet the requirements set by the organisation or authority conducting the check. The consequences of failing a police check can vary depending on the context and purpose of the check. Here are a few possible outcomes:

  1. Employment Implications: If you fail a police check during a job application process, it may result in the denial of employment. Many employers require a clean background check as a condition for hiring, especially for roles that involve working with vulnerable populations or require a high level of trust. But this always the case. Read here for more on why A failed police check is not the end of the world

  2. Legal Consequences: Depending on the nature of the information revealed in the police check, there might be legal implications. Certain criminal records can disqualify individuals from specific professions or industries, and in some cases, further legal action may be taken based on the nature of the offence.

  3. Volunteer or Licensing Restrictions: If you fail a police check while applying for a volunteer position or a licence in certain fields (such as healthcare or childcare), it could prevent you from obtaining the desired role or licence. These organizations often prioritize the safety and well-being of their clients or beneficiaries, and a failed check could disqualify you from participating.

  4. Limited Opportunities: Failing a police check can limit your opportunities in certain sectors or organizations that require a clean background. It is important to note that policies and regulations can vary, and some organisations might have more lenient criteria than others.

In any case, if you fail a police check, it is advisable to understand the specific reasons behind the failure and seek legal advice or guidance to explore any possible recourse or avenues for addressing the concerns raised. Its not the end of the world – if you are honest and upfront – you will often be fine. Everyone makes mistakes!

#PoliceChecks #SafetyFirst #BackgroundScreening

AFP Police Check- 100% Online with Worker Checks

AFP Police Check

What is an AFP Police Check?

An Australian Federal Police Check, also known as a AFP Police Check, is a certificate issued by the Australian Federal Police, which contains information about an individual’s criminal history in Australia. It is commonly requested by employers, licensing authorities, and other organisations as part of their assessment processes for various purposes, such as employment, licences, volunteer work, or visa applications.

The AFP Police Check provides details of an individual’s disclosable court outcomes, which include convictions, sentences, penalties, and pending charges, obtained from various police and law enforcement databases across Australia. It is important to note that the AFP Police Check only covers offenses committed within Australia and does not provide information about criminal records from other countries.

To obtain an AFP Police Check, individuals typically need to complete application process can be completed 100% online with Worker Checks, provide identification documents, and pay the required fee. The AFP the conduct the necessary checks and verifies the information provided before issuing the certificate.

It is worth noting that each organisation or employer sets its own requirements regarding the validity and currency of an AFP Police Check. Many organisations require a recent check issued within the past 12 months.

Overall, an Australian Federal Police Check is a document that provides information about an individual’s criminal history within Australia and is often required for various purposes, such as employment or volunteering.

 

What ID do I need for an AFP Police Check?

Worker Checks AFP Police Check Verification of Identity table:

AFP Police Check ID

 

What is the Difference between Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check and a AFP Check?

The National Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC) and the Australian Federal Police (AFP) Check are two different types of criminal history checks in Australia. Here’s a comparison of the two:

  1. Issuing Authority:
    • NCCHC: The NCCHC is issued by accredited bodies called “Criminal History Check providers.” Such as Worker Checks. Worker Checks is authorised by the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) to conduct criminal history checks.
    • AFP Police Check: The AFP Police Check is issued by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) directly. The AFP is a federal law enforcement agency responsible for enforcing federal laws and investigating federal offenses.
  2. Coverage:
    • NCCHC: The NCCHC covers an individual’s criminal history information from all states and territories of Australia, including convictions, charges, and pending court proceedings. It combines information from various police databases and sources across the country.
    • AFP Police Check: The AFP Police Check focuses specifically on an individual’s criminal history within the Australian Federal Police jurisdiction. It includes information on disclosable court outcomes, such as convictions, penalties, sentences, and pending charges obtained from AFP databases.
  3. Application Process:
    • NCCHC: The application process for an NCCHC is typically conducted through accredited Criminal History Check providers such as Worker Checks. Applicants complete the online process, provide identification documents, and the provider initiates the check on their behalf.
    • AFP Police Check: The application process can be completed 100% online with Worker Checks Applicants complete the online process, provide identification documents, and pay the required fee.
  4. Validity:
    • NCCHC: The validity of an NCCHC is determined by the organisation or employer requesting the check. Many organisations require a recent check issued within the past 12 months.
    • AFP Police Check: The AFP Police Check is generally considered valid at the time of issue. However, most organisations require a check issued within the past 12 months.

In summary, the National Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC) covers an individual’s criminal history from all states and territories of Australia, while the Australian Federal Police (AFP) Check focuses specifically on the AFP jurisdiction. The NCCHC is issued by accredited Criminal History Check providers who partner with ACIC, while the AFP Police Check is issued directly by the AFP.

 

Read more on Which police check do I need?

Worker Checks is a leading provider for both Nationally Coordinated Criminal History (NCCHC) and Australian Federal Police Check (AFP Police Check).

 

 

Disclosable Court Outcomes on a police check?

Disclosable court outcomes

Disclosable Court Outcomes on a police check. What are they?

There are a number of reasons why an organisation may request your Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check. However, depending on the discretion of the organisation, they likely assess your suitability for what you apply for based on the details of your Disclosable Court Outcomes.

What are Disclosable Court Outcomes?

When you apply for a criminal history check, there are two possible results:

  1. Disclosable Court Outcomes (DCOs)
  2. No Disclosable Court Outcomes (NDCOs)

If you have any conviction, pending charge or criminal offence convicted by a legal court, they all appear in your Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check or AFP Check.

Some categories of DCOs that appear on Police Checks are;

  • Sexually related offences
  • Traffic charges for which an individual is convicted in a court
  • All Sentences and Convictions
  • Pending court charges and offences
  • Serious assault related offences
  • Other offences not under the Spent convictions scheme

Spent Convictions: Depending on the State’s legislation or the applicable spent convictions scheme, some offences are not included in your DCOs. In Victoria, NO spent convictions are shown are employment related police clearances.

Spent convictions are offences which after some years, or meeting some conditions are expunged from an individual’s updated Police Check. Some of these conditions are;

  • Ten (10) consecutive years of the waiting period has elapsed since the person was convicted of the crime (in an adult court).
  • Five (5) consecutive years of the waiting period has elapsed since the person was convicted of the crime (in a youth court/as a juvenile).

It also follows that;

  • The individual must not be convicted of any punishable offence during this waiting period, or the period restarts
  • If a jail term is imposed, the crime-free period begins after the jail term
  • Convictions stipulated by the court to be considered as Spent if the individual meets Special conditions (community works, therapy, self-quarantine, and co.)

However, some offences can never be classified as “spent” no matter the period elapsed. These offences are considered “Serious” and always appear in an individual’s criminal record check. Some of these offences are;

  • Sexually related convictions
  • Convictions against corporate organisations and institutions
  • Convictions stated by the regulations/Court sentencing
  • Convictions for which a prison sentence of six or more months is imposed

No Disclosable Court Outcomes

Applicants that have their Police Check return with NDCOs have passed a national criminal history check application. It means they have no Police/conviction history that is considered releasable or “serious” or no convictions at all.

“Offences” not included as DCOs

Most people have a certain fear of their convictions, history or criminal records and fret over what will be displayed on their Criminal history checks. However, not all your offences are considered Disclosable – including the spent convictions.

Some offences are not “serious”, or they lack the jurisdiction to be included in your DCOs

These offences are, and are not limited to;

  • Convictions outside the country.
  • Diversion programs.
  • Spent Convictions
  • Punitive measures by third party institutions or other professional bodies/unions.
  • Offences outside the jurisdiction of Australian police agencies/courts

Where are my DCOs sourced from?

A Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCHC) is a nationwide check program that lists all the disclosable police/criminal records of an individual from all the States and Territories in Australia. So if you have lived in a different state where you got a conviction, it will likely appear in whichever Police Check you apply for.

The Australian Police Check is valid throughout the nation and for employment or volunteering related purposes. It captures all criminal records of an individual via each State and local Police database.

A national criminal history check will undergo vetting through the following Australian states and territories:

What is a Police Check used for?

A Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check is not only a useful and standard check to ascertain individual suitability for a role, it is also mandatory for some purposes. A person who wants to volunteer in an aged care role must submit an updated Police Check. Public vehicle drivers, nannies, Healthcare workers, Teachers, and co must also provide a valid Criminal Record Check.

Here are some purposes for which you need a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check;

Can a Police Check expire?

A Police Check is a point in time check and remains valid from the point of issue. You may continue using your Police Check certificate until you apply for an updated Police check. However, most organisations or agencies will not accept a Check certificate older than three (3) months.

When interpreting a Police Check, different agencies/organisations use discretion based on their risk mitigation strategy. That is why an individual should apply for an updated Police Check when applying for a new role (especially when their previous Checks are older than 3 months).

If you are convicted of an offence within this period, you should apply for an updated police clearance and inform your company.

Who can apply for a Police Check?

Anyone can apply for a police clearance. Getting your check also provides you with knowledge of your convictions history and DCOs. People who know the details of their convictions (if any) begin to seek other means to mitigate the effect on their future activities.

How long does it take to process a Police Check?

When you apply online, you will typically get an Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check posted in your personal portal within 1 hour of your application. The remaining that get referred for manual processing may take up to 10 business days. The applications can be completed via a PC, Tablet or mobile device, including the payment required.

Applying through Worker Checks online portal is fast, efficient, and convenient with your schedule.

Pending charges on Police Check – Do they appear?

Do Pending Charges Show up on a Police Check?

 

Do Pending Charges Show up on a Police Check?

Pending charges on Police Check – do they appear?  This is a very common question that gets asked at Worker Checks.

The answer differs by state.

The simple answer is YES. Pending charges DO show up on a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check  in all state and territories aside from Victoria.

However, pending charges DO NOT show up on a Police Check in Victoria.

Changes to Victoria Spent Convictions Scheme

From 1 December 2021 changes to the Victorian Spent Convictions Act commenced.

From this date you may notice changes to the information that is released by Victoria Police for Police Check VIC.

This includes the way a person’s criminal history information can be used and disclosed, including what can and cannot be released on a police record check. Some of the changes that have been implemented from 1 December are:

  • Victorian convictions that are spent will no longer show up on a police record check, unless an exemption applies.
  • Generally speaking, convictions with a sentencing outcome of 30 months imprisonment or less will be spent automatically after a 10-year crime-free period for adults and five years for young people.
  • In some circumstances, a conviction will be spent immediately, including when a person was under the age of 15 when they committed the offence.
  • Criminal charges where a court has not yet made a decision (pending charges) or information relating to an ongoing investigation by police, or a finding of not guilty by reason of mental impairment will in most circumstances not be released.
  • The Spent Conviction Act will only apply to disclosure for standard employment checks.
  • Where there is other Victorian legislation or existing national agreements (e.g. ECHIPWC/NDIS) or national laws (e.g. AHPRA) disclosure for those checks will not be affected.

Further information has been made available on the Department of Justice and Community Safety website at Spent Convictions Act 2021 | Department of Justice and Community Safety Victoria

 

Police Check 101 - click for Overview

How do I get an International Police Check in Australia ?

Overseas Police Check
International Police Check

To obtain an International police check from Australia, you can follow these steps:

  1. Determine the country where you need the International police check for. Different countries have different requirements for obtaining a police check, so it’s important to know the specific requirements for the country you need the check for.

  2. Choose a provider: There are several companies in Australia that offer overseas police check services, including Worker Checks.

  3. Gather necessary information: You’ll need to provide personal details, such as your full name, date of birth, and current address, as well as passport details and any other relevant information required by the specific provider. You will also need a credit card to pay for an online international police check.

  4. Submit the application. Worker Checks International Police Checks are completed 100% online and paid using a credit card.

  5. Wait for the results: The processing time for overseas police checks can vary, but it generally takes between 10 to 12 working days.

  6. Receive the results: Once the check is complete, you will receive an SMS and an email – your International Police check will then  be available in your personal portal for printing or  e-sharing.

It’s important to note that not all countries accept overseas police checks, so it’s a good idea to check with the relevant authorities in the country you need the check for to ensure it will be accepted. For example South Korea will not provide checks using external providers and you must apply through an embassy.

Note – not suitable for visa and immigration purposes

  • Worker Checks international police checks are suitable for background screening, for example employment and rental checks, not for visa and immigration purposes. Some organisations have specific requirements for international police check certificates, so we recommend checking these requirements before you proceed.

 

 

 

Can I do a police check on another person?

can I do a police check on another person?

Can I do a police check on another person?

No, as an individual, you cannot conduct a police check on another person.

Police checks, also known as background checks or Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Checks in Australia, are  conducted by authorised agencies such as employers, government organisations, and law enforcement agencies for specific purposes, such as for employment, security clearance, or visa applications.

An individual can obtain a police check for themselves through an accredited agency, such Worker Checks .

Who can request a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check?

There are a few different agencies, employers and organisations which will request that you provide a national criminal history check before you commence working or providing services to them. It is becoming standard practice for employers to request a copy of an applicant’s national criminal history check as part of their pre-employment protocols.

This ensures that businesses can adequately and safely manage risk across all types of industries and locations. It has also become standard practice for anybody advertising their services as a pet sitter or house sitter to provide a national criminal history check.

Worker Checks is available 24/7 – this means that you can apply for a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check in your own time, without the need for lengthy delays and queues at your post office. Worker Checks 100%  online process will verify your identity online as a component of your online police check application.

A National Police Check can only be lodged for one purpose. These are one of:

  • Employment
  • Probity
  • Licencing
  • Commonwealth

If you’re not sure what check type you need to obtain, ensure that you contact the requesting organisation and ask for clarification before you begin the application process. We can help you obtain your national criminal history check fast and reliably online. 

 

How do I get a police check solution for my business?

Business Solution for Police Checks

To obtain a police check solution for your business, you will need to follow these steps:

  1. Choose a provider: There are several authorised providers of police check solutions in Australia, including Worker Checks – an accredited third-party provider.

  2. Contact the provider: Contact the provider and discuss your business needs, including the number of checks you require and the frequency of checks needed.

  3. Set up an account: Most providers will require you to set up an account in order to manage your police check orders and requests.

  4. Provide employee information: Provide the required personal information and identification for each employee who requires a police check.

  5. Pay the fee: The cost of a police check varies depending on the provider, but most charge a fee which can be paid online or through a business account.

  6. Wait for the checks to be processed: The processing time for a police check varies, but it is usually completed within a few business days.

  7. Receive the certificates: Once the checks are complete, you will receive police

Worker Checks provides a free full business solution to manage all your worker checks:

  • Management suite for alerts and non-compliance of worker’s checks:
  • Employer or Worker Pay options
  • Pay by CC or monthly invoicing
  • Invite your workers to conduct checks from your management portal
  • Portal view of all your worker’s status
  • Your branding on electronic correspondence

      Available for any organisation

More information on Worker Checks Business solutions here >

How do I get a Police Check in Australia?

How do I get a police check in Australia

To get a police check in Australia, you can follow these steps:

  1. Choose a provider: To get a police check in Australia – there are several authorised providers of police checks in Australia, including the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and accredited third-party organisations, such as Worker Checks.

  2. Apply online: Most providers offer the option of applying for a police check online, which is usually the quickest and most convenient method. Worker Checks provide a 100% online application process, including online verification of identity.

  3. Provide personal information and identification: You will need to provide personal information, such as your full name, date of birth, and current address, as well as appropriate identification, such as a passport or driver’s license. The identity documents you will require differ by check type and you can read more about identity proof here.

  4. Pay the fee: The cost of a police check varies depending on the provider, but most charge a fee which can be paid online. Workerchecks provide Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Checks for $40

  5. Wait for the check to be processed: The processing time for a police check in Australia varies, but it is usually completed within a few business days. 8-% of Workerchecks Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Checks are returned within 60 minutes.

  6. Receive the certificate: Once the check is complete, you will receive a police check certificate, available in your Workerchecks portal for printing or e-sharing.

It’s important to note that police checks in Australia are only valid for a specified period of time, after which a new check must be obtained. Commonwealth Privacy guidelines mean that personal information contained in Police Checks must be disposed of after 12 months.

 

Worker Checks private blockchain protects police check data

Worker Checks blockchain police check

Worker Checks private blockchain protecting your Police Check personal data

The foremost challenge in our increasingly online world is trust. Protection of sensitive personal information, in this case – protecting your police check data. In the contemporary environment, this can be extremely difficult and with considerable challenges.

We have written this short article to answer the common question on why we use private blockchain technology in our business. Our partners want zero compromise on factors such as authenticity, data validity and above all protection of personal information.

Private Blockchain technology is essential for addressing these factors – the most notable being the highest level of protection of sensitive personal information.

Private Blockchains offers supreme levels of privacy and is essential for Worker Checks to handle private and sensitive information. Unlike public blockchains, they are not accessible to everyone.

Protection of Sensitive Police Check Personal Information

Protecting your police check data, such as your photo, address, criminal record check is securely and stored on our private blockchain. This information is protected by a secure login accessible to only you.

Worker Check’s blockchain has no single database, so in the unlikely event a hacker gains access to one node, they cannot gain access to the other nodes to make sense of the stored data.

Your data is distributed across a network of computers, which means it is extremely unlikely to be hacked. The additional cryptography associated with our blockchain technology is best practice for information security.

Why we use a Private Blockchain for your Police Check?

After the emergence of blockchain technology, there have been many questions asked as to what the technology really offers. Is a private blockchain different to a database?

Data Handling – data entered can’t be altered

Data handling is by far one of the top differences between Private Blockchain Vs Database. In a private blockchain, users are only allowed to read and write and nothing else. So, once data is entered into the ledger, it cannot be altered in any way.

This is known as immutability, and is the essential feature of any blockchain technology.

In an orthodox database, users can write, read, delete, or update an entry after the initial data entry event. It follows CRUD protocol (create, read, update, delete). So, data can be manipulated, altered, or deleted if you have access to the database.

So, in instances where data integrity is paramount – the private blockchain is immensely superior to an orthodox database.

police check blockchain

Graphic courtesy of blockchains101.com

Importance of Data Protection in Police Checks

By using our own proprietary private blockchain – the only people with access to your data are you and Worker Checks. We do not utilise a public blockchain and as such no 3rd party has access to our system and your personal data.

Police Checks are essential in our society. Police check applications involve a lot of personal and sensitive data.

Private Blockchain is the best technology for Police Check Systems as it provides a high degree of security for sensitive personal information. Worker Checks’ Police Check System verifies the identity, and extracts personal information from the valid government systems before returning your police check result. This information is then stored on our blockchain.

Conclusion

In the above article, we have talked about important aspects of protecting sensitive personal information. We have also discussed why we use private blockchain technology for our business. From these discussions, it can be concluded that blockchain technology is the best solution for securing sensitive personal information.