To help protect the Australian community,Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) works together with Australian police agencies to deliver the National Police Checking Service (Service). The Service provides access to Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Checks, which are commonly referred to as police checks.
The ACIC does not accept applications or submit police checks on behalf of individuals. The ACIC has accredited a number of organisations to help applicants apply for and submit police checks. These organisations are required to enter into a contract with the ACIC prior to being entrusted with direct access to the Service. (The list of accredited organisations is publicly available on the ACIC’s website under accredited bodies and is regularly updated as more organisations seek and are granted accreditation.)
Starting 1 January 2025, the ACIC will implement a new access agreement for accredited bodies. This change addresses previous issues with third-party companies not accredited with the ACIC and provides greater controls in strengthening the existing process. This will improve community safety outcomes and the protection of police and personal data. The new agreement clearly outlines an accredited body’s contractual obligations and responsibilities when servicing customers.
Entities who wish to on-sell or on-disclose the results of a police check to third-party employers, must become accredited with the ACIC and meet the ACIC’s requirements for access to police information. This is to ensure that the ACIC complies with its regulatory responsibilities as the Commonwealth agency responsible for the provision of police checks. It also ensures there is adequate oversight over who is accessing the Service and for what purpose. Further information on how to become accredited with the ACIC is available on our website.
The ACIC supports third party commercial arrangements for accredited bodies seeking to service customers outside their own organisation. While we support these arrangements, the ACIC must also ensure the protection and security of personal and police information. Customers of accredited bodies are restricted to requesting checks for their own potential or existing personnel only.
The current Agreement for controlled access by duly Accredited Bodies to Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Checks is available on our website and outlines the requirements and definitions for third-party customers.