Frequently asked questions about National Police Record Checks

Why has this been introduced?
What does this police check mean?
I currently work in another part of the Victorian Public Service, do I still need to do a police check?
I am currently registered with a recruitment agency. If they place me in DEPI do I need to do a police check?
What do I have to do now?
Do I have to pay?
I've recently completed a police check for another organisation, can I submit this?
What happens if I have a criminal record?
Who will see the results?
If I complete a National Police Check and am unsuccessful, will this effect other job applications I make?
Will charges without conviction be released to DEPI?
I recently completed a National Police Record Check for DEPI, do I need to do another one?

Why has this been introduced?
To ensure that the department has knowledge of any relevant criminal history that may impact on an individual's ability to meet the inherent requirements of a role, or to adhere to organisational values.

What does this police check mean?
Consenting to a police check is now a mandatory requirement before you are employed. This means that you must consent to a police check to be deemed eligible to take up an offer of employment. You may also be asked to complete a statutory declaration whilst your police check is pending.

You will be contacted by a DEPI staff member in due course with instructions on completing the relevant police check application forms.

I currently work in another part of the Victoria Public Service, do I still need to do a police check?
Yes, you will still be required to complete a check before working for DEPI. You may also be asked to complete a statutory declaration whilst your police check is pending.

I am currently registered with a recruitment agency. If they place me in DEPI do I need to do a police check?
Yes, you will still be required to complete a check before working for DEPI. You may also be asked to complete a statutory declaration whilst your police check is pending.

What do I have to do now?
You are not required to take any action until instructed to do so by a DEPI staff member or your agency consultant.

However, if you have recently submitted a job application for DEPI or are thinking of submitting one we encourage you to read all the information available on the website to ensure you understand what is expected of you in this process.

If you are invited to interview you will be required to bring a completed application form and the required certified identification with you to the interview. Use the form on the DEPI National Police Records Check page. Please do not access the form through the Victoria Police website. You must read the information on our website before completing the form.

By signing and returning the Victoria Police Application Form, you agree to DEPI formally requesting Victoria Police to conduct a police check.

Do I have to pay?
No payment is necessary. DEPI will pay the cost of processing your application.

I've recently completed a police check for another organisation, can I submit this?
No. Only checks undertaken by DEPI are valid. Police checks are only considered valid on the date they are issued.

What happens if you have a criminal record?
Having a criminal record does not automatically preclude you from being employed at DEPI. If you do have a criminal record you will be telephoned by an Employee Relations officer to discuss the record and give you the opportunity to provide any further information you believe is relevant before a decision is made.

A decision about your employment will be made by authorised officers within the DEPI Employee Relations team. Assessment of employment suitability will be done on a case-by-case and confidential basis.

Read our assessment guidelines.

You can find out more information about what is released on a National Police Record Certificate from Victoria Police.

Who will see the results?
All information provided is strictly private and confidentially handled and stored in accordance with relevant legislation. Records are stored in a separate, locked file and destroyed after six months.

Only authorised officers in DEPI Employee Relations will be able to view the contents of a National Police Certificate. Those results will not be disclosed to anyone else, unless required by law.

The only information provided to the recruiting manager or coordinator will be whether recruitment can proceed.

If I complete a National Police Check and am unsuccessful, will this affect other job applications I make?
The result of your National Police Check will not have any bearing on future applications for other roles within DEPI, or in other organisations. You will be asked to complete a new form for other roles and the results will be assessed based on the specific requirements of that role.

Will charges without conviction be released to DEPI?
Charges without conviction are considered findings of guilt. All findings of guilt that are in line with Victoria Police’s release policy will be released to DEPI. You can read more information about this policy on the Victoria Police website.

I recently completed a National Police Record Check for DEPI, do I need to do another one?
If you have completed a National Police Record Check for DEPI in the last three months and are applying for another role, you may not be required to undergo another check. If you are asked by a DEPI staff member or agency consultant to complete an application form please notify them that you have recently completed a check.

If you have any concerns about the information above please contact Employee Relations on (03) 9637 8203 or email police.checks@dse.vic.gov.au.