NPC Frequently asked questions  PDF (33kb)

Q: What is a National Police Certificate (NPC)?

A: A NPC provides a national summary of an individual's offender history. It is generally requested by organisations for the purpose of employment (paid and unpaid), licences and visas.

Q: How do I apply for a NPC?

Download an online PD267 National Criminal History Record Check Application form from the SAPOL website: www.police.sa.gov.au:

• The form is designed to meet scanner Optical Character Recognition requirements so applicants must complete page one online and then print the form.
• You must attend a police station in person with your completed application form, 100 Points of original identification (ID) documents, a photocopy of your ID documents and payment (refer to Fees on Page 3).
• A SAPOL employee will certify the photocopy of your ID documents, attach it to the authorised PD267 form and despatch your application to the Records Release Unit.
• Applicants who are unable to complete the form online must contact Records Release Unit to request a hard copy form.

Q: How do I meet the 100 Point Identification Proof of Identity requirement?

A: NPC applicants must meet the 100 Point ID requirement by providing the following documentation (refer to 'Proof of Identity' section on NPC application form for accepted ID and point values):

• At least one original ID document from Category A
• Remainder of ID may be sourced from Category A or B to reach a minimum total of 100 points
  
• All documents must be current (where applicable)
• All documents must carry a signature and/or photograph that can be matched to the applicant
• Applicants under 16 years old must provide two forms of identification. At least one document must be sourced from Category A. The parent/guardian must produce one form of Category A identification.
• Applicants are to provide ID in one name. If ID is provided in two different names proof of name change is required (i.e. Marriage Certificate, Deed Poll)
• Applicants must provide original ID documents and a photocopy of these documents for certification at a police station
  

Q: Which identification documents are not accepted?

A: Passport that is cancelled or expired more than 2 years ago

• Birth Certificate Extract
• Document i.e. utility bill with PO Box address as current address
• ID in two different names without proof of name change documentation
• Application forms with incorrect or insufficient ID attached will be returned to the applicant
• Where a bank card/statement is used only one card/statement per financial institution can be provided for identification (limited to two financial institutions)

Q: Why do I have to sign the consent section?

A: SA Police cannot undertake a national police check without the written consent of an individual. If the consent section is not signed, the application form will be returned to the applicant.

Q: What will show on my NPC?

A: Information displayed on a NPC includes the following:

Information that may be considered for release on an NPC includes the following:

• Specific departmental records
• Paedophile restraining orders
• Other restraining orders
• Diversions
• Cautions
• Expiable matters

Q: How does SAPOL determine what information to release?

A: SAPOL's information release practice incorporates offender history information relating to matters found proven in a court of law. In accordance with the Criminal Law (Sentencing) Act (1988), Section 15 and 16, all court hearings with an outcome of 'without conviction' are considered to be a finding of guilt.
SAPOL's information release practice is based on the Spent Conviction provision of the Commonwealth Crimes Act (1914) which states a conviction will be regarded as being 'spent' or 'inactive':

• If at the time of the commission of an offence, the person was an adult and ten years have elapsed (or in the case of a child five years have elapsed) since the recording of the conviction and the person has not been convicted of a further offence.
• Previous offences attracting a penalty of more than 30 months imprisonment are exempt from being spent.
• A conviction will be disregarded from the date that it is quashed, set aside or a pardon issued.
• Under the Commonwealth Crimes Act (1914) Spent Convictions Scheme Exclusions (October 2004), designated offences are exempt from being spent if the person is working with children or intellectually disabled persons.
• A designated offence means either a sexual offence or any other offence against the person if the victim was under 18 at the time the offence was committed.
  'Spent' offences are not released, unless required by an Act, Registration Board, requested for Court purposes, or involvement in certain areas e.g. childcare.
  Interstate offences are released in accordance with that State or Territory's spent conviction/rehabilitation legislation and policy. Intelligence-type information is not released.
  SAPOL is unable to release traffic history from some states and territories. This information can be obtained upon application to:
• Queensland Transport 'Driver Record Information' application form can be obtained via: Website: www.transport.qld.gov.au; Mail: Customer Service Support, Department of Transport, GPO Box 2451, Brisbane QLD 4001; Telephone: 13 23 80.
• WA Police 'State Traffic Certificate' application form can be obtained via: Website: www.police.wa.gov.au; Email: information.release.unit@police.wa.gov.au; Mail: Officer in Charge, Office of Information Management, Information Release Centre, Public Trustee Building, 3rd Floor, 565 Hay Street, Perth WA 6000; Telephone: (08) 9268 7645.

Q: Who is eligible for a free police check?

A: Fee waivers only apply to unpaid South Australian volunteers working with approved Volunteer Organisation Authorisation Number (VOAN) organisations. The cost of VOAN police checks is funded by the South Australian Government. VOAN organisations qualify for volunteer fee waivers because they provide services to vulnerable groups within the community. Further information and VOAN application forms can be obtained from the SAPOL website: www.police.sa.gov.au or by contacting the Records Release Unit on telephone: 8204 2455.

Q: How do I qualify for a volunteer reduced fee?

A: To be eligible to receive a volunteer reduced fee, the Volunteer Authority section on the NPC application form must be endorsed by a representative of the volunteer organisation you are applying to work with.

Q: Is there an age limit to obtain a NPC?

A: No. If you are under sixteen years of age, your parent/guardian is required to countersign the application.

Q: Who owns the NPC?

A: The NPC is the property of the applicant regardless of who paid for it. It is your responsibility to ensure it is safely stored. This document can only be copied with your consent.

Q: How long will it take to process my request?

A: The standard timeframe to process a NPC is between 5-15 working days.

Q: How long is my NPC valid?

A: This depends on the policy of the organisation requiring the NPC. A certificate only reflects the completeness and accuracy of these records and systems on the date of issue.

Q: Can I apply for a NPC on behalf of someone else who lives in SA?

A: You can only apply on behalf of someone if you hold Enduring Power of Attorney. Original documentation to verify this must be produced and sighted by a SAPOL employee. A certified copy must be attached to the PD267.

Q: How will my NPC be despatched?

A: You may request that your NPC be mailed to your residential or postal address. This gives you the opportunity to review the information and also provides greater levels of protection for your privacy. Having an NPC posted to you is undertaken at your own risk.  SAPOL holds no responsibility for any loss or unauthorised access which may occur.

Q: What if the information on my NPC is incorrect?

A: Members of the public can correct their records via mechanisms under the Freedom of Information Act. You can submit a PD361 Application for Amendment of Personal Records form which is available from any police station. This service is free of charge.

Q: What is the cost of a NPC?

A: Fees are listed below and may be adjusted annually in accordance with the Consumer Price Index. Concession eligibility requires proof of a current concession card, benefit or financial assistance payment listed below.

Q: How can I obtain further information?

A: Contact the Records Release Unit:
Email: SAPOL.records@police.sa.gov.au
Telephone: (08) 8204 2455
Facsimile: (08) 8204 2307
Postal Address: Records Release Unit, SA Police, GPO Box 1539, Adelaide SA 5001
Website: www.police.sa.gov.au