If you use criminal background checks in your line of work—either for yourself or as part of recruiting new people in your organisation—you may have noticed a change in terminology when referring to them. That’s because criminal background checks, which used to be called National Police Checks, are now generally referred to as Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Checks.
In this article, you can expect to find a comprehensive explanation as to why the change has occurred, including the evolution of the terminology in Australia, how individuals and businesses are impacted and more.
The Evolution of Criminal Background Checks in Australia
The Original ‘Police Check’ Terminology
In Australia, a Police Check was traditionally understood to be a background check issued by the police to show any criminal history, including pending criminal proceedings, arrests, and convictions. Various industry sectors sought it out to recruit volunteers and employees who were to be placed in positions of trust, as required by legislation. It was used to help determine an individual's suitability for a specific role, especially when that role involves direct contact with vulnerable members of the community, such as the aged and minors. As well as for employment and volunteering, it was used for purposes such as licensing, citizenship and accreditation.
What Happened To The Term ‘Police Check’?
You may be wondering what happened to the term ‘police check?’. Since mid-2018, the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC), which is the government body regulating police checks, determined that what was previously called the National Police Check (NPC) be renamed Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC). This is whenever an ACIC-accredited non-police organisation issues the background check.
While the NCCHC results in a certificate with information that is essentially the same as for police checks, the guideline changes put forward by ACIC mean that the processes involved in background checking had greater consistency and clarity. While police databases are involved in the process, the issuing agent (which is accredited by ACIC) is not part of the Australian Police Force. The name change was made to reflect this.
Understanding the Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check
What Is a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check?
A Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check is a background check using the Australian criminal database. It results in a check results report that lists any criminal records for a particular individual. It contains an individual’s personal information and includes any sentences and convictions, including pending court hearings. It can also show any current good behaviour bonds.
How It Differs from the Old Police Check
For the purposes of the recipient, the scope of information in the Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Checks is the same as the traditional police check. As the name suggests, the NCCHC covers any disclosable criminal convictions, pending court orders and good behaviour bonds the individual may have anywhere throughout Australia.
The terminology used simply refers accurately to the body issuing the certificate: the NCCHC is for ACIC-accredited organisations and the police check (which is still in use) when it is issued by the Australian Federal Police.
Just because the new terminology does not use the word ‘police’ does not mean that police information is not involved. To the contrary. The process of compiling an NCCHC certificate involves all Australian police services across Australia.
Has The Online Police Check Process Changed?
If you are seeking a criminal background check, either for yourself or for someone in your organisation, the process for obtaining this online has not changed. It is still a simple step-by-step process. What remains consistent is the need to obtain written informed consent from the individual in question prior to requesting their background check. This is a mandatory part of the process. If you have any concerns, you can get in touch with ACIC-accredited CrimCheck for more information.
Impact on Individuals and Businesses
What Individuals Need to Know
If your employer requests that you obtain a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check, it is important for you to understand that you are still obtaining the same kind of documentation as a Police Check, containing the same valuable information. As such, you can obtain this through an ACIC-accredited body such as CrimCheck. You can easily request the NCCHC on CrimCheck’s website by submitting information according to the required prompts. Once complete, you will receive a digital certificate of the findings in your nominated email.
Implications for Employers and Organisations
If you have a business or are part of an organisation, it is important to adapt to this change in terminology by reflecting it in your HR and compliance procedures. It is also advisable to communicate this change with your staff or volunteers to ensure that the correct, up-to-date terminology is used in both written and verbal form. You can register with CrimCheck to obtain a business account here.
The Future of Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Checks in Australia
Ongoing Developments
With advances in technology, cybersecurity and the integration of information among government agencies and services, the Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check processes are bound to require updating from time to time. There is also a growing trend towards digitising data across the board, making information increasingly quicker and easier to access and process.
How CrimCheck Can Help
CrimCheck is Australia’s only not-for-profit ACIC-accredited criminal check provider, offering outstanding service and value. We provide an easy-to-use online service. You can find the application form for our nationally coordinated criminal history checks for individuals here. Or to create a business account, click here.
Would you like to find out more about how we can help with your background check needs? During business hours, you can contact us for quick, professional, and friendly customer service.
Why the Shift to Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check Matters
Fundamentally, the change of terminology does not affect the NCCHC in procedural or substantive ways. Whether you are an individual, a business, or an organisation, you still obtain the same service, only under a different name according to ACIC guidelines.
If your organisation requires the use of NCCHCs, it is also important to stay informed about any legal and procedural updates, and ensure that this is reflected in your HR and compliance procedures. Ultimately, you can depend on CrimCheck as a trusted industry leader to provide up-to-date, compliant NCCHCs.
