Can I get a free police check?

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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.

A police check result contains the criminal/police history of an individual, accredited by the Police authority under the State legislation. It is an individual nationwide certificate and requires an application fee depending on the purpose and check agency used.

Police checks are one of the crucial documents an individual must submit to an organisation for vetting. Some of the purpose for which an individual may require a police check includes;

✔ Paid services/employment

✔ Licensing and Contracts

✔ Industry accreditations

✔ Immigration purposes (can only be obtained from the Australian Federal Police - AFP)

✔ Financial/Corporate services

Free police checks?

Through the requesting organisation

Individuals and businesses would usually initiate their police check requests through an accredited agency like ANCC. Some individuals also approach their local police authority or the post office for a check. It is important to note that all checks come with a mandatory fee and it is therefore not possible to obtain a valid police check that is free of charge, or a free criminal history check.

If an organisation undertakes the Police checking of their employees or potential employees, they can choose to cover the entire or cover the partial cost for the police check. However, they must do this to the understanding and consent of the individual. It is one way an individual may get a free (or reduced price) on their police check application.

Where can I get a cheaper application for a police check?

Different agencies charge different rates for a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check certificate.

A popular way to obtain a police check certificate is to apply online through accredited agencies such as Australian National Character Check. If you apply through our online portal, you can complete your application and payments in 10 minutes. Also, most applicants get their police check certificate mailed to them within 24 hours with the remainder that get referred for manual processing taking up 15 days.

ANCC charges $52.90 + GST for an online criminal history check.

Steps to Apply for a police check Certificate online; (organisations and Individuals)

1. Using your internet-enabled device, log on to through a secure browser to the https://www.australiannationalcharactercheck.com.au/Police-Check-Application.html
2. Select Start a New Check in the options and Proceed to answer the questions
3. Choose the correct purpose of the police check (if you select a wrong option, you may have to pay for a new one). All these steps are simple (aids provided) on our completely online application platform. You can complete your police check application on our platform via a mobile device, PC or tablet with a working connection.
4. Remit the stipulated fee using any of our advanced online paying options (PayPal, Credit card, Debit Cards, MasterCard, and co.)
5. Fill the required fields correctly and carefully (including your preferred e-mail and mail address)
6. Cross-Check the information you have provided before submitting

What shows up in my Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check?

A Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check result is programmed to display an individual's conviction history depending on the purpose of the Police check. If you have received a free police check, it is not interchangeable for other purposes like Licensing or Paid recruitments.

The convictions will also be related to the role you apply for.

Some of the general offences that will appear in your police check are;

✔ Convictions/Charges against corporate organisations

✔ Sexually related offences

✔ Traffic charges for which an individual is convicted

✔ Sentences and Convictions

✔ Pending court charges and offences

✔ Other convictions stipulated by the court as disclosable on the individual’s check

Offences that do not show up in a police checks are;

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

These offences are either not "serious" enough, related to an individual (role) appraisal or outside the jurisdiction of the Australian/Commonwealth court.

How long do police checks take to expire?

In regards to the validity of a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check, it is important to note that a police check is a Point-in-time check; it is valid from the point of issue until when you request an updated check. However, while a Police Check has no set expiry date, most organisations will not accept a police check older than three (3) months.

Furthermore, most organisations generally request an updated police check from their employees over specific periods. So, your employer may ask you to present updated police check certificates that say “every 2 years”.

Employees should also request an updated police check and inform the company if they get a new court conviction within that "waiting period" of the organisation.

Where is a police check valid?

Whether you got a subsidised police check or a fully paid check, it contains the same information as the processes it goes through is the same. The Police Check is a nationally valid document that contains all the conviction and sentencing history and records of the applicant in all the States and Territories.

A police check may also be referred to nationally as a

✔ Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check

✔ Background (Criminal) History Check

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