5 Ways to Flunk Your Police Check!

When applying for a job or a position that requires a high level of trust, it is expected to undergo a police check to ensure that you have a record clear of any wrongdoing. However, several pitfalls can lead to failing such a screening process. Here, we explore five critical mistakes to avoid so you can successfully pass your police check.

1. Providing Incorrect Information

Submitting false or inaccurate information during your application can result in an immediate flunk of your police check. Ensure that you:

Provide your full legal name without any omissions or errors.
Double-check your personal details, such as address, previous addresses, date of birth, and other identifiers.
Disclose any previous names or aliases you might have legally held.

Pro Tip: Gather all your official documents beforehand to ensure all the information you provide matches ideally.

2. Ignoring Past Offenses

Even if they seem minor or happened a long time ago, not disclosing past offences can harm your police check results. You should:

Be upfront about any previous encounters with the law, no matter how trivial they seem.
Certain checks reveal pending charges, past convictions, and sometimes even traffic offences.

Note: Some offences, known as' spent convictions', may no longer show up after a certain period. However, this varies depending on the jurisdiction, so it's best to be honest.

3. Failing to Follow Application Procedures

Every police check process has its own set of procedures and requirements. Failing to comply with them can lead to a negative outcome:

Follow all instructions precisely when completing forms or submitting documents.
Provide any requested additional documentation promptly and accurately.
Make sure to sign all necessary consent forms to perform the check.

Remember: Failing to follow instructions can be seen as a red flag for compliance with law and policy.

4. Being Unaware of Your Online Presence

In the digital age, our online footprint can also impact the outcome of a police check. To keep your background clear:

Conduct a self-audit of your digital presence, including social media accounts.
Remove or manage content that could be seen as contentious or indicative of criminal behaviour.
Check privacy settings to control what is publicly visible.

Caution: Some agencies may consider your online behaviour as part of their risk assessment.

5. Not Managing Outstanding Legal Issues

If you have outstanding legal issues, such as unpaid fines or warrants, they can complicate your police check:

Resolve any outstanding legal matters before applying for roles that require a clean police record.
Seek advice from a legal professional if you need help with how to proceed.
Payment plans or court appearances might be necessary to clear up any issues.

Action Plan: Tackle any unresolved legal matters head-on to avoid surprises during the police check process.

Conclusion

Achieving a successful police check is crucial for many pathways in life, whether for employment, volunteer opportunities, or regulatory compliance. Steering clear of the missteps outlined in this guide can prevent you from inadvertently flunking your police check. Always be truthful, thorough, and proactive in managing your personal and legal affairs to ensure your background remains transparent.