In our modern society, security and safety are paramount. One way to enhance personal or professional security is to check an individual’s criminal history. There is an increase in the frequency in which employers, landlords, and institutions check criminal records as a part of their screening process. To give you an insight on how to execute such a process and why it is essential, we present this article.
The Importance of Checking Criminal Records
Examining a person’s criminal history can offer essential insights into their past behaviour, providing safer environments in various contexts. For businesses, it helps inform hiring decisions, ensuring the organisation hires only the most suitable candidates, considering their past conduct and ensuring a safe work environment. For landlords, they can ensure the safety of their property and other tenants by leasing to individuals free of serious criminal convictions.
Methods of Checking Criminal Records
There are several methods available to check criminal records, ranging from online databases and local courthouses to professional private investigators. The approach you should take depends on the depth of the information you need and your relationship with the individual. One universal method available for everyone, and the one we are focusing on, is a police check.
What Is a Police Check?
A police check involves searching nationwide police databases to check the individual’s criminal history against all police jurisdictions in the country. It includes the disclosure of spent or unspent convictions, warnings, reprimands, or cautions the person may have. Employing a police check is a common practice adopted by employers, licensing authorities, adoption agencies and volunteering organisations to assess the risk an individual may pose.
How to Perform a Police Check
The procedure for getting a police check varies from one country to another. In general, there are several steps involved. Firstly, you need to obtain the consent of the person whose criminal record you wish to check. For instance, employers usually obtain the consent of their prospective employees before performing a background check.
In many cases, a fee is required to conduct a police check. You would also need to provide specific details about the person, such as full name, date of birth, and sometimes, fingerprints. Some countries or states require the inquirer to avail of this service directly at the police station. Others make it much more accessible, offering online portals where the details can be submitted and reviewed.
Understanding the Police Check Results
A police check result will provide a wealth of information about an individual’s criminal past. It could hold sensitive information, including court appearances, charges, convictions, sentences, and other legal interactions.
However, police check results are not always straightforward to understand, and certain terminologies or legal codes could be misinterpreted. It would be vital to seek explanations for any unclear terms or codes to avoid any potential misunderstanding or injustice.
Conclusion
Overall, checking a criminal record, particularly by availing of a police check, is a valuable measure to ensure safety and security. It ought to be conducted responsibly, with respect to the person’s privacy, and within the confines of the law.