Police checks: A secure and reliable way to get access to your background history

A police certificate is an authenticated document issued as an outcome of a background check by the police or government bureau of a country to identify any criminal records that the applicant may have. Criminal records may include arrest, conviction, and possibly criminal proceedings. A police certificate is also recognized as a good citizen certificate, good conduct certificate, police clearance certificate, national police history check.

Police checks in Australia:

In Australia, individuals can request a police check which itemizes disclosable court outcomes. All police checks must be undertaken with the informed consent of the person being checked unless the check is mandated by relevant legislation. This means that persons cannot validly obtain check on another individual without that individual's permission. Businesses can request a check on the applicant's behalf.

A person may be asked to present a Police Clearance Certificate as part of employment screening, as a pre-requisite for a volunteer job, as preparation for a court appearance, to apply for a visa to enter/stay in some countries, or to satisfy a legal requirement.

 

National Police Certificates

Certificates issued by the Australian Federal Police are printed on secure paper. This secure document is now used nationally by all Australian Police Services.

The paper has many security features including:

·   a watermark consisting of multiple images of a padlock with two keys which is apparent when held up to the light

·   fluorescent tricolor threads on both sides of the document glow blue, yellow and red when held below ultraviolet light

·   a border to the right of the police logos on the face of the document is printed in MICRO TYPE which can be read when viewed under magnification

·   images on the front are printed in heat-sensitive ink and, when moderate heat or friction is applied, they will fade or disappear momentarily

Why the National Police Clearance Certificate Important?

Not everyone realizes the importance of a police check Australia clearance certificate. Here are a couple of reasons why getting a national police clearance check is advisable:

·   Lower employee turnover rates: Imagine hiring someone without a national police clearance check and after a few months, you notice they have a history that impacts their ability to work for your business. Since an important investment in time is involved in the hiring and training process, it would certainly be an inconvenience to search for another candidate to fill the position. Having already requested a National Police Clearance check, you can assure that you avoid this situation, saving time and money.

·   Lessen employee fraud and wider risks: As a business grows in size, the possibility of employee fraud increases. A National Police Clearance check on potential employees as well as current staff will support the company in identifying fraud or someone who has a history of committing fraud, ensuring the adequacy and competency of their position. Incompetent staff in roles of significance can cause problems not solely to the company but also to the wider community.

·   Building trust: If you are in the business of childminding, a national police check is part of the process of obtaining a Working with Children's card. This is an important requirement that reassures the safety and security of children in the care of others. This adds significant value to the business reputation, with customers knowing they can trust the company and the sitter that will be looking after their children.