Police Checking is the process of assessing the criminal background record of an individual. Such a background check is often required for employment and volunteering purposes. Sometimes a police check is also needed to apply for a visa and immigration. Students also require a background police check to apply for admission in some colleges or universities in certain countries. 

The document obtained after police checking is called Police Check Certificate. It produces a list of all criminal offenses an individual has committed in the past. In addition, the document makes illegal history data within the boundaries of a particular country. 

What Is NPC And AFP Police Check? 

In a country like Australia, police checking is an essential part of an employee screening process and other legal procedures. Australia conducts two kinds of checking – National Police Check and AFP police check. A National Police Check is mainly required for employment purposes. Meanwhile, a Federal Police Check is required for visa application or immigration application procedures and commonwealth jobs. 

What Is Included In A Police Check Certificate? 

All kinds of police check certificates include a record of the applicant’s offenses that are allowed to be disclosed. It consists of a history of their past convictions committed until the date of application. The data mentioned in police certificates are obtained from police records and crime databases. 

It documents all criminal and traffic offenses, court proceedings, past convictions and even due charges of an individual. However, in the case of NPC, disclosed crimes usually fall under state or territory legislation. These kinds of certificates also often omit juvenile charges that fall under any Spent Conviction Scheme. 

On the other hand, a Federal Police Certificate is not restricted to offenses that fall under the state or territory legislation. AFP certificates mostly keep crimes within the Spent Conviction Scheme undisclosed. However, federal checks can also list down violations under the scheme if required for some instances. 

How Does An AFP Certificate Look? 

All certificates issued after an AFP police check are documented on a paper that is specially secured. Almost every police service across Australia uses the same secure piece. The certificate consists of fluorescent threads in blue, red and yellow colors often viewed under UV light. The background is screened and printed in reactive solvent ink. 

The front images are printed with ink sensitive to heat and can momentarily fade away if heat or friction is applied. It also consists of hidden images made with fluorescent ink that glows under UV light. The certificate consists of a padlock and keys watermark that appears under a light. It also has borders with logos that are viewed with a magnifier. 

How To Apply For A Police Check? 

Individuals can apply for a police check online or opt for manual submission. In a National Police Assessment, applicants can take help from any National Police Authority or government body. They can also contact ACIC accredited agencies. Meanwhile, when asked for an AFP police check, applicants have to get the federal police bodies to apply. 

All current and previous names are to be provided for online applications along with an accurate date of birth. Copies of primary documents like passports and secondary documents like a birth card are also required. All documents must reach 100 points as per the federal police chart. For manual submission, the application form needs to be downloaded. 

Manual applications form needs to be submitted within three months of signing. All required boxes in the form need to be marked with a cross. In addition, all the necessary documents and details are to be attached securely with the paper. Applicants must also fill the form using uppercase or block letters. 

Applicants under 18 years of age need parental consent for both digital and manual submission. International credit and debit cards are to be used for payment during the online application. Manual application payments can be made by cheques and money orders payable to the federal police. The currency needs to be in Australian dollars. 

Who Requires Police Check? 

Almost every organization in countries like Australia requires a criminal record check as a part of the hiring process. It is also essential for individuals applying for confidential and sensitive jobs like government or public service. In addition, it is also necessary for immigrants, visa applicants, international students and adoption, overseas jobs, among others. 

A police check is an integral part of the employment process in several organizations and legal procedures. Therefore, it is essential to get your criminal history check done from authentic sources. Therefore, always contact official bodies or accredited agencies to apply for your police check certificate. 

One should never forget that a National Police Check is not likely to be accepted when an AFP police check is required. So make sure to always contact a federal body for federal police certificates.