Inside Scoop: What's in a Police Check?
In the interests of public safety and employment integrity, police checks have become an integral part of the recruitment process and security assessments. These checks are also commonly used when applying for volunteer positions, adopting a child, or for licensing purposes. But what do these checks include? Here’s a comprehensive overview of what you can expect a police check to encompass.
Criminal History
Perhaps the most significant component of a police check is an individual’s criminal history. This includes a detailed record of any:
- Convictions and Sentences: A list of offenses for which the individual has been found guilty in a court of law, including any penalties or sentences that were imposed.
- Pending Cases: Details of any ongoing legal proceedings or charges that the individual is currently facing.
- Court Appearances: A record of the individual’s appearances in court, whether they resulted in a conviction or not.
- Findings of Guilt with No Conviction: Occasions where a court has found the individual guilty of an offense but has chosen not to record a conviction, often in the case of minor infractions or first-time offenses.
Background Details
A police check may also provide background details that support the understanding of an individual's history. This can involve ancillary information relevant to a person's interactions with law enforcement, such as
- Apprehended Violence Orders (AVOs): Orders that protect an individual or individuals from alleged perpetrators of domestic or personal violence.
- Good Behavior Bonds: This reflects whether a person has previously been placed under an order to be of good behavior, which might be relevant in assessing their current reliability.
Clearance Status
Critical for many employment positions, particularly those involving contact with vulnerable groups like children or the elderly, a police check will clarify a person's clearance status. This includes information on:
- Working with Children Checks: A screening process for assessing the risk an individual might pose to children’s safety.
- Vulnerable Sector Checks: An additional screening conducted to determine the potential risk an individual may pose to vulnerable persons.
Other Considerations
While the focus of a police check is predominantly on criminal history, some additional elements can be included depending on the jurisdiction and the specific type of check conducted. These may feature:
- Traffic Offenses: In some regions, serious traffic offenses that have been dealt with by a court may also appear on a police check.
- International Records: If the individual has consented to or if it’s required by regulation, international criminal history might be included—particularly if the person has spent considerable time abroad.
Privacy and Limitations
It's important to note that police checks are subject to privacy laws and regulations, meaning that not all information is disclosed. For instance,'spent convictions'—older offenses that meet certain criteria—may not always be included in a police check, in accordance with legislation aimed at supporting the rehabilitation of ex-offenders.
Summary
Police checks are essential tools that can help individuals, employers, and organizations make informed decisions. Understanding what is included in these checks is crucial for interpreting their results appropriately. While these checks typically encompass criminal history, background details, and clearance status, the exact content can vary by jurisdiction and the specifics of the check. Regardless, they serve as a critical component in upholding safety and ensuring integrity across various sectors of society.