What is a full disclosure police check?

The information on this webpage is to be read in conjunction with this disclaimer:
Australian National Character Check (ANCC) makes every effort to provide updated and accurate information to its customers. However due to the continuously changing nature of legislations for the Commonwealth and various States and Territories, it is inevitable that some information may not be up to date. The information on the website is general information only. The contents on the website do not constitute legal or professional advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for legal or professional advice. While we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, suitability, accuracy or availability with respect to the information.

A full disclosure police check reveals relevant criminal history of an applicant. The requester of this information often uses your criminal record to determine your suitability for specific roles.

If you've requested a police check, it's likely the case you'll feel this unease, especially if you're uncertain what might show up. You are not alone! That is why understanding what to expect will give you the peace of mind you need while helping you plan better. You'll know what to expect in your police certificate by the end of this post.

What convictions show up in a police check?

Figuring out what might show up in your police check might not be as straightforward as it seems. Remember when you received a speeding ticket - will that appear in a police check? Or the time you were drunk driving?

The Disclosable Court Outcomes (DCO) stipulates the information in your police certificate. Some key categories that may show up in your police check include:

If you are convicted of a crime, it will reflect in a police check. The police check will also include the nature of the crime and the punishment meted out.

Under the non-conviction sentencing, it is possible to be found guilty without receiving a formal sentence. Such offences will in most States and Territories also appear in a police check.

Depending on your territory's laws, if you have a pending criminal case, a police check might include that information.

A good behaviour bond is a promise by the offender to be of best behaviour. Such an offender goes into the community without serving jail time. However, a good behaviour bond will reflect in a police check until the bond expires. The police check will also include the details and conditions of the bond.

Offences that will not show up in a police check

Many applicants are usually baffled when an offence they committed doesn't reflect in a police check. In most instances, this is not a mistake! Not all violations end up in a police certificate. Other violations that may not show up in a police check include:

The court might decide a diversionary program - like community service - to be a more suitable penalty than conviction or sentencing. Aside from a good behaviour bond, diversionary programs do not appear in a police check.

If there's insufficient evidence to establish your guilt, the court may close your matter, which would not reflect in your record. The Australian Criminal Database does not include dropped charges.

A Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check only covers the jurisdiction of Australia. Hence, overseas crimes unrelated to Australia will not appear in the Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.

Offences resolved outside the court will not show up in a police certificate.

Copyright & Disclaimer

The content on this website is communicated to you on behalf of Australian National Character Check™ (ANCC®) pursuant to Part VB of the Copyright Act 1968 (the Act).

The material in this communication may be subject to copyright under the Act. Any further reproduction of this material may be the subject of copyright protection under the Act.

You may include a link on your website pointing to this content for commercial, educational, governmental or personal use.

The contents of this website do not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for legal or professional advice.