Aussies -- questions about police check

[Lunamel 0]

I wonder if anyone can help me with this.

I just called to make an appointment to have fingerprints taken for my Victoria Police Check. They told me that they no longer do police checks for immigrant visa applications, and they haven't done this for months, despite what the US Consulate says. They told me that I need to obtain a federal police check instead.

I asked the Consulate about it last week, and they told me I should get a Victorian check done. So I'm not quite sure what to do. Has anyone else encountered this contradiction??

[AussieDude 0]

I wonder if anyone can help me with this.

I just called to make an appointment to have fingerprints taken for my Victoria Police Check. They told me that they no longer do police checks for immigrant visa applications, and they haven't done this for months, despite what the US Consulate says. They told me that I need to obtain a federal police check instead.

I asked the Consulate about it last week, and they told me I should get a Victorian check done. So I'm not quite sure what to do. Has anyone else encountered this contradiction??

I think, for whatever reason, local police stations are never up to date about background checks. I faced some issues in NSW, because at the local police station they weren't sure about what I was asking for, and I had difficulty explaining it to them.

Here are two suggestions to chase down what is going on:

1. Check the Victorian police website, see if they have any instructions there

2. The Victorian Police HQ, like the NSW Police HQ should have a section specifically dealing with Record/Checks etc, you could ring them up and ask.

AussieDude

[Lunamel 0]

Thanks AussieDude

It was actually the Police Checks division I was talking to -- I'd first called my local station, and they told me that local stations don't do fingerprint records anymore for police check forms, so gave me the central number.

They said they will still do checks for visa for less than one year, just not permanent resident visas. There's also a four week wait to get an appointment for fingerprints! I think I'll try emailing the Consulate again to see what they can tell me.

[aussiewench 9]

Lunamel

As aussiedude said, they often aren't up to scratch at the police stations.

If you can PM me your email I can email you the instructions from the consulates regarding Victoria if you havent gotten that from the consulate yet.

[NCBABE 0]

Lunamel

As aussiedude said, they often aren't up to scratch at the police stations.

If you can PM me your email I can email you the instructions from the consulates regarding Victoria if you havent gotten that from the consulate yet.

Mick just had his done in N.S.W. and it was'nt a state check that was done it's actually a national police check. The federal police check we are still waiting for lol, and we had our interview and got approved without a federal one. " National Police Check" with fingerprints is the one you need.

Hope that help's some.

[Lunamel 0]

Thanks all

I'm still confused as it was the woman in the Police Check division who said they don't do this anymore, and that they told the Consulate but they mustn't have passed this on to visa applicants. I thought I could just submit the form to them anyway by mail, but I'm worried if I do that, after being told not to, that they just won't process it.

NCBABE, just out of interest, when did you submit your AFP form? I'm curious how long it's going to take if I have to do it that way.

Sorry about the multiple posts, but I just thought of something else. I have to wait a month to get my fingerprints taken in Melbourne, but I'm going to be in Sydney later in the month, so perhaps I can just have them taken by the NSW police, and then send in my form with them to Melbourne. Can those of you from Sydney tell me if you had to make an appointment for this -- I also seem to recall some stations were better than others??

thanks for your help!

[hampster 0]

Hi this is complete South Australian Police Requirements as well as Current Prices for,

National Police Check, with all FAQ'S (this will also apply to all mainland police forces)

don't go to local cop shop go to police headquarters in the city itself.

Cheers

Paul

NATIONAL POLICE CERTIFICATE

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

CONTACT DETAILS

POSTAL ADDRESS: Records Release Unit, SA Police PHONE ENQUIRIES: 08 8204 2455 EMAIL:

GPO Box 1539, ADELAIDE SA 5001 FAX NO: 08 8204 2307

SAPOL.records@police.sa.gov.au

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: What is a National Police Certificate (NPC)?

A: A NPC provides a national summary of an individual’s offender history. It is generally requested by organisations as one part of their process to

ensure the integrity of their staff or volunteers.

Q: Is there an age limit to obtain a National Police Certificate (NPC)?

A: No. If you are under sixteen years of age your guardian will be required to counter sign the application as well.

Q: What will show on my NPC?

A: The NPC will be prepared in accordance with SAPOL policy. Interstate offences will be released in accordance with that State or Territory’s spent

Conviction/ rehabilitation legislation and policy. Information that may be considered for release includes the following:

Person Information Offender History Information Other Information

· Identification data such as name,

Gender, date of birth, aliases, previous

Names, other recorded dates of birth

Etc

· Address (es)

· Charge(s)

· The court outcome of the charge(s) together

With the dates, court and any sentence

Imposed

· Pending matters

· Specific departmental records

· Outstanding warrants

· Paedophile restraining orders

· Other restraining orders

· Diversions

· Cautions

· Expiable matters

Pending matters have not been determined by a court; therefore they cannot be regarded as a finding of guilt. Intelligence-type information is not

released. SAPOL is unable to release traffic history from some states and territories. This information can be obtained upon application to:

• QLD Licence Searches, Department of Transport GPO Box 2451 Brisbane QLD 4001 at a cost of approximately $15.00. Cheques or money

Orders are to be made payable to Queensland Transport.

• WA Police Service "Traffic Conviction Records Section" PO Box S1400 Perth WA 6001, the application form is available on the Services page

of their website at a cost of approximately $15.00.

Q: Who owns this NPC?

A: This certificate is the property of the applicant and as such should be retained by you (the applicant) regardless of who paid for it. It is your

Responsibility to ensure it is safely stored. It is not recommended that this document be copied, but can be with your consent. The content should be summarised into an organisation’s records to record the recruitment process.

If you have any concerns please let us know, our phone number is listed above.

Q: Why do I need to provide proof of identity?

A: SAPOL takes its responsibilities in respect of protecting the community from crime and disorder,

and information release very seriously.

To ensure that we meet our obligations an applicant for a NPC is required to establish their identity via the check process.

If copies of these documents are not attached, the application will be returned to you.

If you are unable to meet the criteria on the application form – please contact the Records Release

Unit (RRU-see above) for advice on additional acceptable documents.

Q: How does an organisation obtain police checks for volunteers free of charge?

A: The fee for volunteers is $28.50 however the check is provided at no charge if the volunteer is in contact with vulnerable groups.

All volunteers must not be receiving any payment for work (except out of pocket expenses);

and the work must provide a charity or community service well.

The South Australia Government meets the cost for these ‘eligible volunteers’.

To be eligible for this fee waiver the organisation must be pre-approved by SAPOL and have received a Volunteer Organisation Authorisation

Number (VOAN). The organisation must provide this authorisation number on every volunteer’s NPC application form. Further information about how to apply for a VOAN and application forms can be obtained by accessing SAPOL’s Internet site www.police.sa.gov.au. Look for Volunteers in the Site Map.

Q: How long will it take to process my request? Is there an Express Service?

A: The standard timeframe to process a NPC is between 5-15 working days.

This provides enough time for postage, and if there is an interstate match it,

prvides time to verify any same or similar name matches and obtain local and/or interstate history. If you require the NPC quickly an Express Service

of 2 working days is available, however, an additional charge applies and you will be required to collect the NPC from Adelaide Police Station.

If an interstate match occurs the 2-day turnaround cannot be guaranteed, however SAPOL will process your application as a priority at all times.

The 2 working days begin from the time the application is received at the Records Release Unit.

Q: I am obtaining a NPC for Taxi Accreditation purposes, who do I contact if I require the Certificate to be processed earlier?

A: Taxi drivers seeking permanent accreditation have up to 8 weeks notice; early lodgement will ensure that you receive your Certificate in time.

Alternately, the express service is available at an additional cost of $21.00

Q: Is this the correct form to complete when applying for registration as a teacher?

A: No. Applications should be made via the Teacher’s Registration Board.

Q: Do I need to have my fingerprints taken to get a NPC?

A: No, SAPOL checks identifying data and this is normally sufficient. You may however have special requirements such as a visa for overseas travel,

employment or immigration, or your employer or regulatory body requires absolute identity checking. A NPC with fingerprints requires an additional

charge not subject to any concessions (see Fees below). You must ensure your fingerprint form is firmly attached to the NPC application form.

SAPOL is unable to advise on visa requirements and will need to verify the requirements yourself.

Q: Do I need a NPC for my visa application?

A: SAPOL is unable to advise on visa or overseas travel requirements.

Please check your visa requirements carefully as you may require a NPC

prepared by the Australian Federal Police and you may also,

Require fingerprints to be taken.

Q: What is the cost of a NPC?

A: Fees are listed below and may be adjusted annually in accordance with CPI.

The Government of South Australia gazettes fees.

The fee is based on the average cost to produce a NPC,

Based on staff time, CrimTrac charges, consumables etc.

Q: Am I eligible for the fee to be reduced?

A: The cost of processing this request will be reduced if you meet one,

Of the concession criteria (see Concession Criteria below).

An Express Service is not subject to any fee concessions.

Q: If I require a refund, how do I apply for one?

A: All applications for refunds must be made within 3 months,

From the lodgement date.

Please forward your request in writing together with supporting documentation,

To the postal address listed above stating why a refund should be considered.

Q: How long is my NPC valid?

A: This depends on the policy of the organisation you are presenting,

Your NPC to.

There is a time lapse between the recording of convictions by courts

and the updating of the criminal records databases of police jurisdictions.

This certificate only reflects the completeness and accuracy of these,

records and systems on the date of issue.

Q: I am living interstate or overseas, can I apply for a NPC?

A: No, National Police Certificates will only be prepared for those people,

Resident in South Australia. South Australian residents who may be,

Living overseas should refer their request to,

The Australian Federal Police www.afp.gov.au,

Or their email address vetting@afp.gov.au.

Residents of other states should direct their enquiry to the police service,

Of the state or territory in which they reside.

Q: Can I apply for a NPC on behalf of someone else who lives in SA?

A: You can only apply on behalf of someone if you,

Hold Power of Attorney. Documents to verify this must be produced.

A copy must be attached with the application.

A SAPOL employee or equivalent must sight the original.

SAPOL permits someone else to collect your certificate,

However, you must complete the application form,

Yourself and identify the person collecting,

Your certificate at the time you submit your application.

Q: How can I collect my NPC?

A: You may request that the NPC is collected from any police station,

Or mailed to your postal address.

You must provide suitable identification at the time of collection.

Having a NPC posted to you is undertaken at your own risk.

SAPOL holds no responsibility for any loss,

Or unauthorised access, which may occur.

You need to indicate on the form whether the NPC is to be,

Sent to your postal or residential address.

You may collect the NPC from Adelaide Police Station if it is urgently required.

Someone else may collect a NPC for you, if they have a signed letter of authority. You are required to identify the person collecting your NPC on the

application form, and you must provide them with a letter or authority.

To ensure the security and privacy of your information, applicants are unable to vary to collection method after the form has been submitted.

Q: What if the information on my NPC is incorrect?

A: SAPOL provides the opportunity for the public to correct their records,

Via mechanisms available under the Freedom Of Information Act.

Please submit a PD361 – Application for Amendment of Personal Records,

Form, which is available from any Police Station.

Please outline your concerns and provide a copy of the disputed evidence.

Q: How can I obtain further information?

A: Telephone or email the Records Release Unit via the contact details listed,

On the front of this form.

Alternatively, you are able to access information and the application,

Via SAPOL’s Internet site www.police.sa.gov.au.

Look for National Police Certificate in the Site Map.

PLEASE NOTE THAT BY SIGNING THE APPLICATION FORM:

• You hereby consent to the release of full details of any person history and any other relevant information that any Australian State/Federal/Territories Police

or Law Enforcement Agency may have in its possession with reference to you. This includes any convictions imposed on you that are spent or rehabilitated

(however described) under State/Territory/ Federal Legislation.

• You agree should there be any doubts as to your identity, to voluntarily submit a set of fingerprints suitable for the requirements of the fingerprint experts.

• You acknowledge without this consent being provided spent or rehabilitated convictions within certain States may not be disclosed.

• In consideration of the release of the said information, you hereby release and discharge and agree to indemnify and hold harmless the State of South

Australia, each of the Australian State/Federal/Territory Police or Law Enforcement Agencies and their employees, servants and agents from and against all

claims, demands, actions, suits, proceedings, costs and damages whatsoever arising out of or in any way connected with the release or use of the

information.

CONCESSION CRITERIA FEES – Valid to 30 June 2006

Concessions are available for people that meet the following criteria:

• Current State concession card issued by FACS

Individual $44.00

• Totally and permanently incapacitated disability pensioner.

• Receipt of Commonwealth unemployment or sickness benefits or State financial

Concession $32.00

Assistance.

• Holder of a student identification card issued under State Transport Authority Act

Volunteer $28.50

1974 or proof of full time student status

• Holder of a current pensioner health benefits or concession card issued by the

Volunteer working with Vulnerable Groups (VOAN) $0

Commonwealth Government.

• Proof of financial hardship by providing evidence of receiving one of the following

Fingerprints $90.50 extra

Benefits from Centrelink not more than 4 weeks ago: -Crisis Payment, Special

Benefit Payment, or Exceptional Circumstances Relief Payment

Express Service $21.00 extra

[AussieDude 0]

Thanks all

I'm still confused as it was the woman in the Police Check division who said they don't do this anymore, and that they told the Consulate but they mustn't have passed this on to visa applicants. I thought I could just submit the form to them anyway by mail, but I'm worried if I do that, after being told not to, that they just won't process it.

NCBABE, just out of interest, when did you submit your AFP form? I'm curious how long it's going to take if I have to do it that way.

Sorry about the multiple posts, but I just thought of something else. I have to wait a month to get my fingerprints taken in Melbourne, but I'm going to be in Sydney later in the month, so perhaps I can just have them taken by the NSW police, and then send in my form with them to Melbourne. Can those of you from Sydney tell me if you had to make an appointment for this -- I also seem to recall some stations were better than others??

thanks for your help!

I did mine at the local police station for our area in Sydney. They ask whether you live in that area before they will do it for you, but it might be a bit tough. You could try having a chat to Criminal Records Section in Parramatta by phone (02) 8835 7888.

Let me know how it goes.

AussieDude

[NCBABE 0]

Thanks all

I'm still confused as it was the woman in the Police Check division who said they don't do this anymore, and that they told the Consulate but they mustn't have passed this on to visa applicants. I thought I could just submit the form to them anyway by mail, but I'm worried if I do that, after being told not to, that they just won't process it.

NCBABE, just out of interest, when did you submit your AFP form? I'm curious how long it's going to take if I have to do it that way.

Sorry about the multiple posts, but I just thought of something else. I have to wait a month to get my fingerprints taken in Melbourne, but I'm going to be in Sydney later in the month, so perhaps I can just have them taken by the NSW police, and then send in my form with them to Melbourne. Can those of you from Sydney tell me if you had to make an appointment for this -- I also seem to recall some stations were better than others??

thanks for your help!

I did mine at the local police station for our area in Sydney. They ask whether you live in that area before they will do it for you, but it might be a bit tough. You could try having a chat to Criminal Records Section in Parramatta by phone (02) 8835 7888.

Let me know how it goes.

AussieDude

NCBABE

Well I'm thinking Mick put it in like 7 weeks ago or even more and we still hav'nt got it back. Mick even rang them and was told "dont contact us we'll contact you" lol. thankfully we didnt need the AFP one anyway.

[aussiewench 9]

Thanks all

I'm still confused as it was the woman in the Police Check division who said they don't do this anymore, and that they told the Consulate but they mustn't have passed this on to visa applicants. I thought I could just submit the form to them anyway by mail, but I'm worried if I do that, after being told not to, that they just won't process it.

NCBABE, just out of interest, when did you submit your AFP form? I'm curious how long it's going to take if I have to do it that way.

Sorry about the multiple posts, but I just thought of something else. I have to wait a month to get my fingerprints taken in Melbourne, but I'm going to be in Sydney later in the month, so perhaps I can just have them taken by the NSW police, and then send in my form with them to Melbourne. Can those of you from Sydney tell me if you had to make an appointment for this -- I also seem to recall some stations were better than others??

thanks for your help!

I did mine at the local police station for our area in Sydney. They ask whether you live in that area before they will do it for you, but it might be a bit tough. You could try having a chat to Criminal Records Section in Parramatta by phone (02) 8835 7888.

Let me know how it goes.

AussieDude

Yep, it aint easy, I had to flirt and beg to get mine done outside of the area I lived here in Sydney, but I got it

Lunamel, you can always try.

[Lunamel 0]

Thanks for the advice guys -- I'll see what I can do! A friend's sister is also dating a cop in Melbourne, so I'm going to see if he can help me out somehow too. I'll let you know how it goes!

[astrid and alex 0]

this may sound stupid, but getting a traffic ticket from the cops will show on that police check? I got a ticket when I was 18 for not having my licence on me while driving. It was only a fine and no demerit points. Is this going cause me any problems for my visa application?