Police check Expiry in Western Australia (WA)

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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.

If your police check is older than three 3 months, it is generally time to renew it before you apply for an employment position.

Even though a police check certificate is transferable among the various States and Territories in Australia, most organisations and agencies will not accept a result older than 3 months for any of;

• Paid employment,
• Licensing
• Accreditation and other purposes a police check is required for .

Does a police check expire ?

A police check does not expire in the technical sense but remains at the candidate's disposal. However, the police check result tends to reduce validity among employers as the period continues to stretch.

It means that a police check obtained a month ago is preferable to police checks older than 6 months in most formal settings.

So, the police check is only as valid as the exigencies of the purpose.

Is it lawful for an employer to refuse a police check ?

Every organization can interpret the result of a police check depending on their internal risk mitigation strategy. However, the internal risk policies must not fall outside the Privacy Act or Human rights legislation.

Also, employers have the right to protect their establishments from frauds, scams and losses in the most legal way possible. And this can include setting a benchmark for the police check results they accept.

What happens if my police check is considered expired?

The only legitimate thing you can do when your police check certificate is older than 3 months is to order an updated check. It can also be called renewing your police check application.

When you apply online via the ANCC, the renewal can be completed online to process and receive. However, candidates can also apply via the local Police or their Local Post office.

How to renew a police check

• Online renewal/application

Some approved service providers like ANCC provide full online services to help candidates renew their checks. The procedures are easily completed with a PC, Tablet or Mobile device, and within minutes.

Candidates who apply online will receive an electronic copy of their police check results via email.

This procedure for a police check is well suited to applicants with rigid schedules and requires less fuss.

Process to order a police check online

Candidates often get confused with the word “renewing” a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check . However, in the real sense, what people do is a new Check application. The process is similar to applying for a new Check if you got yours recently.

The IDs and data you provide for a “renewal” are the same as those for starting a new Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.

✔ Step 1

Click the "Start a new police check" option on the portal of the Australian National Character Check.

✔ Step 2

Fill out the application form provided with accurate details of the examples listed above.

✔ Step 3

Fill in all contact details and extra information required on the police check. Cross-check previous data you entered.

✔ Step 4

Select and fill the purpose of the police check application; probity, employment, and so on.

✔ Step 5

Complete payments via any of the online options; PayPal, Debit/Credit card, and co.

✔ Step 6

Provide the requested Identification documents by;

• Taking photos
• Scanning and uploading
• Mailing copies (in the case of a physical application)

✔ Step 7

Send all IDs before you can finally submit a police check application.

✔ Step 8

Sign the informed consent online before submitting the police check application.

✔ Step 9

Use the “Track a police check” option on the website to track the status of the application. The PDF certificates are also downloadable.

✔ Step 10

Get an electronic copy of the police check result. It is sent to the submitted Email address on your application.

If you request the hard copy, it will follow your submitted postal address.

• Local Police Station or a Post Office

You can always apply through the local WA Police office close to your residence to get a valid police check result.

The application process may involve a physical visit to the Police office, including completing paper-based applications. The ID verification process may need to be completed in person.

Such physical applications can also be completed through the WA Post office.

Completed police check results are mailed back to the candidate.

How long does a police check last?

The police check certificate is a point-in-time check that does not disclose criminal records past the date of issue. It means that employers or other requesting agencies will not assess the candidate’s recent conviction records if it is older than 3 months.

Therefore, like the original police check records, the renewed certificate will not remain valid for longer than 3 months.

Can I renew my police check in a different location?

An Australian police check is a nationwide scheme and remains the same all through the States and Territories in Australia. You can make a successful renewal anywhere in any State or Territory of Australia and not only .

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