Background vs. Police Check: Same Thing?
When it comes to verifying an individual’s past, both personal and legal, two common procedures come into play: background checks and police checks (also known as police clearances). Although they may sound synonymous and are often used interchangeably, they harbor distinct differences in what they entail and the purpose they serve. In this article, we delve into what sets them apart.
What is a Background Check?
A background check is a broad review of a person's commercial, criminal, employment, and (occasionally) financial records. Background checks are usually requested by employers on job candidates for employment screening, especially on candidates seeking positions that require high security or a position of trust, such as in schools, hospitals, financial institutions, airports, and government.
Components of a Background Check
Background checks can include, but are not limited to, the following elements:
- Criminal Records: Checks for any criminal history.
- Employment History: Verification of previous employment, including positions held and job performance.
- Education Records: Confirmation of degrees, certifications, and educational qualifications.
- Credit History: Assessment of creditworthiness, which can be particularly relevant for positions that involve financial responsibilities.
- License Record Checks: Verification of any professional licenses required for the position.
- Sex Offender Registry Check: Determines if the individual is listed on the sex offender registry.
What is a Police Check?
A police check, on the other hand, is a snapshot of an individual’s police history information from various databases. It's often required for visa applications, applying for adoption, seeking employment in certain fields, or for legal procedures.
Components of a Police Check
Police checks are more focused and will usually detail:
- Court convictions, encompassing penalties and sentencing.
- Findings of guilt without a formal conviction.
- Court appearances, including those that did not result in a conviction.
- Pending court charges for which the individual has not yet been tried.
- Good behavior bonds or other court orders.
- Charges dismissed under the provisions of the Mental Health Act.
Comparison and Purpose
Purpose: The primary purpose of a background check is generally for employment screening to ensure an employer has the full picture of a candidate. Police checks are required where regulations demand a verified police record to confirm a person's legal history.
Scope: Background checks are comprehensive and can track a variety of information, including past employment, education, and credit history, whereas police checks focus explicitly on legal records and court outcomes.
Privacy Issues: Generally, in both cases, consent from the person being investigated is required. Employers or organizations requesting such checks must follow strict privacy laws, which safeguard the personal information obtained.
Timeliness: Police checks generally have a quicker turnaround time compared to background checks since they are specifically retrieving information from police databases, while background checks can take longer as they collect data from various sources.
International Element: Some background checks can also include international records if the individual has lived outside the current country, while local police checks might not access foreign criminal or legal records.
Conclusion
While both background checks and police checks serve as tools for understanding an individual’s history, they serve different purposes and collect different information. Employers and individuals should be clear on what kind of information they require and choose the appropriate check accordingly. It's also important to handle any information from these checks with integrity and according to privacy laws.