What are Disclosable Court Outcomes on a police check?

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There are lots of reasons and purposes for which an organisation may request your police check. However, depending on the discretion of the organisation/agency, they mostly assess your suitability for what you apply for based on the details of your Disclosable Court Outcomes (DCOs) and the relationship of the DCO to the work tasks (if any).

What are Disclosable Court Outcomes?

When you apply for a police check, there are two possible results for your certificate to return as;

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

When your Police check returns with Disclosable Court Outcome (DCOs); it means the details of the convictions are considered releasable by the State legislations.

If you have any conviction, pending charge or criminal offence convicted by a legal court, they all appear in a police check certificate. The (DCO) is the documented history of an individual’s Police and Criminal records.

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

No Disclosable Court Outcomes

Applicants that have their police check return with NDCOs have passed a Nationally Coordinated 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.

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

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 work 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 Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.

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

• Licensing (Firearms, Schools and co)
• Employment and Recruitments (financial roles, caregivers, working in child-related roles, and co.)
• Working with elderly community members like police checks for the aged care sector
• Contracts (Real Estate, Freelancing)

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 have their discretions 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 background check and inform your company.

Who can apply for a police check?

Frankly, every person can apply for a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check. 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.

People under the age of 18 can also apply for a police check with the "written consent" of their guardians/Parents.

How long does it take to process a police check?

When you apply online, you will get a police check certificate delivered to your mail normally within 24 hours of your application. The remaining that get referred for manual processing may take up to 15 business days. The applications can be completed via a PC, Tablet or mobile device, including the payment required.

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

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