How Much Does a Crime Check Cost?
A question the solicitors at Go To Court Lawyers are often asked is, ‘How must does a crime check cost?’ There are a number of different criminal history checks that can be obtained in Australia, each for a different fee. This page outlines the different types of criminal history checks you can apply for, and the cost involved.
National police check
When a person needs to undergo a National Police Certificate (or National Police Check) in Australia, they may apply for this in several ways. Criminal history checks are not conducted by the police of the states and territories themselves, but by several Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC)-accredited companies. A person can also apply for a National Police Check directly through the Australian Federal Police (AFP).
The NPC will list all disclosable court outcomes recorded against your name and date of birth in any state or territory of Australia. This may include convictions, findings of guilt without conviction, and spent convictions, depending on the state or territory.
CrimeCheck Australia
CrimeCheck Australia is an ACIC-accredited company that conducts national police checks. An application for an employment police check costs $99 including GST. An application for a volunteer police check costs $69 including GST.
These applications are made online, and the results are delivered by email within an hour.
CrimCheck
CrimCheck is a not-for-profit organization that provides national police checks. An application by a paid staff member costs $60 and an application by a volunteer or student costs $23.10.
These applications are made online and the results delivered by email. The website states that results are generally received in between one and three minutes.
National Crime Check
National Crime Check is another provider of national police checks. An employment police check costs $58.90, and a volunteer check costs $29.90, including GST. National Crime Check also offers discounted rates for employers seeking to process a large number of checks at the same time.
These checks are conducted online, and a full report is provided within 24 hours.
Australian Federal Police
If a person is seeking a National Police Check because required to do so by a federal government agency, they must apply through the AFP. An example is where a person is seeking the check for immigration purposes.
An application for a National Police Check through the AFP costs $113. This application can be made online or by post. Results are provided by post and are usually posted within 48 hours. It may take longer if information is received from more than one state.
Whose records can I get?
Criminal records are confidential. You will not be permitted to access anyone else’s records, only your own. When you complete the application, you will be required to provide your name, date of birth, and identification documents.
If you are under 18, a parent or guardian will be required to co-sign the application.
Disputed records
If you receive your police check results and there is an item listed that you believe should not be there, you can contact the agency that completed the check and advise them of the reasons you are disputing the record, providing supporting material. The agency may then conduct further investigations.
If you require legal advice or representation in any legal matter, please contact Go To Court Lawyers.