Can I Check If I Have a Police Record?

We've all wondered, "Do I have a police record?" at some point. or "How can I find out what's on my criminal history?" Each year, millions of Australians are subjected to background checks for personal, probity, volunteer, or employment purposes.

Australian National Character Check (ANCC) provides background checks to individuals and businesses across Australia.

Check timeframes: The background check application form can be completed online in a matter of minutes. The majority of results are sent out within 24 business hours, if the online application form is correctly completed. Around 30 percent of checks can take longer than 15 days due to a potential match.

Do you work in HR in an Australian organization and need background checks for workers? Australian National Character Check (ANCC) provides a streamlined solution for background check via our business portal.

Please apply for your background check via the individual portal here.

Businesses (transport, postal, mining, healthcare, and warehousing industries) seeking bulk background checks can apply for access to the ANCC Business Portal.

A police record constitutes an official document that provides details about your disclosable court outcomes.

The document tracks court attendance along with convictions, current cases, and filed charges throughout every Australian state and territory.

Importantly, police records are protected under privacy laws. Only you or authorised entities (like employers with your consent) can access this information. Let's explore how to check your record.

To confirm whether you have a criminal history, you'll need to apply for an official National Police Check (NPC), now known as the Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC). Here's how it works

1. Choose an Accredited Provider

   You can apply through:

   • State Police Agencies: Such as Queensland Police Service (QPS) or Victoria Police.
   • Accredited Brokers: Providers like Australian National Character Check (ANCC).
2. Submit Identification

You'll need the correct forms of ID, such as a passport, driver's license, or Medicare card. For online applications, digital verification via the Document Verification Service (DVS) is often required.

3. Wait for Results
4. Review Your Certificate

The NPC lists disclosable outcomes (if any), including convictions and charges.

Common scenarios include:

1. Employment: Roles in healthcare, education, or government often require NCCHCs.
2. Visas and Immigration: The Australian Federal Police (AFP) handles checks for visa applicants.

According to the relevant police agencies, this check will provide all disclosable court outcomes received in all Australian states and territories up to the certificate's issuing date.

Employment requirements for companies, government departments, and other organisations are the most frequent justification for a background check. If you plan to volunteer for an organisation like the Rural Fire Service, you can also be asked to submit to a background check.

Some positions and departments that require a criminal record check will arrange to have this done on your behalf. If you have been asked to give your background check before starting work, or if you have an offer of employment pending your clearance certificate, you should have your criminal record check ready to share. That's where we can help.

Another reason you should arrange for a criminal record check is if you plan to work as a home or pet caretaker. An official copy of your criminal history, which you are prepared to supply, will make anyone who has to entrust their property to your care while on vacation or travelling for work feel much better.

It is a point-in-time check and is valid only up until the date of issue.

The criminal record check may include information on pending disclosable court decisions.

For this reason, most organisations that request an initial criminal record check will likely have a protocol in place that mandates regular, updated criminal record checks. This might occur every one year, or longer.

ANCC eliminates the burden by providing you with an easily accessible and reasonably priced gateway that allows you to schedule a background check online at your convenience.

Errors in background checks are rare but possible. If your check includes incorrect or outdated information:

1. Contact the issuing body with proof of the error.
2. Raise a Dispute

Australian National Character Check offers:

1. Fast Online Applications: Complete your application in around 10 minutes.
2. 24/7 Tracking: Monitor your application status in real-time.
3. Nationwide Coverage: Valid for all states and territories
4. Discount Pricing: With further reduced prices for volunteers.