Guide to Criminal Records in New South Wales


Conducting police checks is now a common practice amongst many industries across Australia. Knowing about your criminal history helps businesses assess your integrity and reliability as an employee. It’s, however, equally important for you to know what you’re signing up for when you consent to a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check or a National Police Check undertaken through a state or territory police service.

Why do I need a police check undertaken by the NSW Police Force? 

Individuals can apply for a National Police Check with the NSW Police Force.  A National Police Check with the NSW Police Force may differ slightly to a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check undertaken through the National Police Checking Service.  Some of the key reasons you may apply to the NSW Police Force for a National Police Check include: employment, visa, adoption, student placement and/or admission as a lawyer.

  • You require a National Police Certificate – Certain roles or organisations that require you to source a criminal record check may require you to present a National Police Certificate from an Australian police service with the necessary security features;
  • You require a fingerprint record check – If you are required to source a set of your fingerprints for a criminal record check (such as for adoption purposes), you will most likely need to attend your local police station to have the fingerprints taken;
  • The purpose of the criminal record check is for use in NSW only – Certain industries or purposes may require the NSW Police Force to undertake your criminal check, rather than through other sources or states, such as admission as a lawyer in NSW. 
  • You need a National Police Certificate that is able to be verified – A NSW Police issued National Police Certificate can be verified online at any time, by anyone who has a copy of it.

For more information regarding National Police Checks through the NSW Police Force, please see their website here: https://portal.police.nsw.gov.au/s/policecheck-definition?reportType=CP_PoliceCheck  

 
This publication is for informational purposes only and nothing contained in it should be construed as legal advice. We encourage you to consult with legal counsel regarding your specific needs. We do not undertake any duty to update previously posted materials.

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