Know Your Recruit: Whats in a Police Check?

When hiring new employees, employers aim to gather enough information to make informed decisions. One essential tool in the vetting process is the police check. A police check is a record of a person's criminal history or the absence thereof within a geographical jurisdiction. Let's explore what's revealed in a police check and understand its relevance for vetting recruits.

What does a Police Check Include?

A police check typically includes several types of information, each shedding light on the individual's legal background:

Criminal Convictions

Most importantly, a police check will disclose criminal convictions. This includes any offenses where the individual has been found guilty by a court. Depending on the jurisdiction, this could encompass both major and minor offenses.

Pending Charges

Pending charges—those for which the individual has been charged but not yet convicted—often appear on a police check. These are crucial for employers to know as they await the outcome of any ongoing legal proceedings.

Court Appearances

Even if an individual hasn't been convicted, records of court appearances for criminal offenses may be included. This can signal past interactions with the criminal justice system.

Findings of Guilt with No Conviction

In some cases, individuals may have been found guilty but not convicted due to various reasons such as the application of a diversion program. These findings can also appear on the check.

Good Behaviour Bonds or Other Court Orders

Police checks might reveal if a person is under a good behaviour bond or subject to court orders affecting their conduct.

Spent Convictions

Depending on local laws, spent convictions (old convictions which do not need to be disclosed after a certain period) may or may not appear. Some jurisdictions have legislation that allows for the 'forgiving' of past offenses after a person has proven to be law-abiding for a set number of years.

Importance for Vetting Recruits

Understanding an applicant's criminal history helps employers manage risk and maintain workplace safety. Here are several key reasons why police checks are critical in the hiring process:

Safety

Ensuring that workplaces are safe for all employees is paramount. Knowledge of an individual's history can be instrumental in preventing potential harm.

Integrity

Certain positions require a high level of integrity. A police check can reassure employers that the individual has a history that aligns with such standards.

Compliance

Many industries are regulated and require police checks as part of their compliance with legal standards or industry guidelines.

Trust

Employers must trust their employees, especially in roles with access to sensitive information or financial resources. A clean police check helps establish that trust.

Brand Protection

Having employees with questionable backgrounds can harm a company's reputation. A thorough vetting process, including police checks, can prevent such risks.

Conclusion

A police check is a crucial element in the recruitment process, providing a snapshot of an individual's legal history. It reveals important information that helps employers to assess the risk and suitability of potential hires. While not the only tool in the hiring arsenal, its significance for maintaining workplace safety, integrity, compliance, trust, and brand reputation is invaluable. Employers looking to make well-informed hiring decisions should consider the comprehensive insights offered by police checks as a part of their standard recruitment procedures.