Hiring decisions in security-sensitive sectors rely heavily on police vetting checks. These checks verify if an individual has a clean criminal record and is suitable for trusted positions. Many employers, recruiters, and individuals often ask the same question: how long do police vetting checks take? The answer depends on several factors, such as the level of vetting, the complexity of the case, and the availability of records.
What Are Police Vetting Checks?
Police vetting checks are background screenings carried out to confirm if a person has any criminal history or pending investigations. They help determine a candidate’s suitability for employment, particularly in roles connected to public safety, law enforcement, or positions involving vulnerable individuals. These checks go beyond simple database searches. They often include cross-referencing information from multiple police databases, intelligence records, and sometimes local station records.
Types of Police Vetting Checks
Different roles require varying levels of police vetting. Understanding each type helps predict how long the process might take.
Basic Police Check
This is the simplest level of vetting and includes a search for unspent convictions. It is often completed within a few days. Basic checks are suitable for roles that do not involve direct access to sensitive information.
Standard Police Check
A standard vetting check searches for both spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and warnings. It is commonly requested for positions in public service, education, or healthcare. The process may take up to two weeks, depending on data accuracy and workload.
Enhanced Police Check
This is the most detailed form of vetting. It includes all information from the standard check, plus any relevant data held by local police forces. For roles in law enforcement or childcare, the process can take several weeks.
Non-Police Personnel Vetting (NPPV)
This applies to individuals working alongside police but not directly employed by them, such as contractors or IT support. The duration varies based on the level, NPPV1, NPPV2, or NPPV3, ranging from a few weeks to a couple of months.
Step-by-Step Breakdown of Police Vetting Checks
Understanding the step-by-step process gives a clearer picture of what happens during the waiting period.
Step 1: Application Submission
The process starts once the applicant submits a vetting form containing personal information, address history, and previous employment records. Accuracy at this stage is vital, as incorrect details can cause unnecessary delays.
Step 2: Identity and Documentation Review
Authorities verify identification documents such as passports, driving licences, and proof of address. Any mismatch between submitted details and official records can extend processing time.
Step 3: Criminal Record Search
The primary stage of vetting involves checking national and local databases for criminal history. For enhanced checks, local police forces manually review records, which adds time but improves accuracy.
Step 4: Security and Intelligence Assessment
For roles connected to policing or sensitive projects, the assessment may include intelligence checks and references from previous employers. This stage helps identify risks that are not part of criminal convictions.
Step 5: Decision and Clearance
Once all verifications are complete, the vetting officer reviews the information and decides on clearance. If further clarification is required, additional documentation may be requested, extending the total time frame.
How Long Do Police Vetting Checks Take?
The most common question for candidates and employers is the processing duration. The police vetting time frame depends on factors such as the type of vetting, the applicant’s background, and the workload of the vetting department.
Here’s a general estimate:
| Type of Check | Average Time Frame |
| Basic Police Check | 2 to 5 working days |
| Standard Police Check | 5 to 15 working days |
| Enhanced Police Check | 3 to 6 weeks |
| NPPV Levels | 4 to 12 weeks |
While these figures offer an average guide, delays can occur if there are incomplete details, multiple address histories, or records from different jurisdictions.
Factors That Influence the Police Vetting Time Frame
Level of Vetting Required
The more detailed the check, the longer the process. Enhanced and NPPV3 checks involve multiple agencies, which naturally take more time than a basic search.
Accuracy of Information
Small errors in forms, such as incorrect postcodes, missing middle names, or outdated addresses, can cause verification problems. Accuracy speeds up the process considerably.
Multiple Residences
Applicants who have lived in different regions or countries may experience longer wait times because records need to be accessed from several databases.
Workload of Vetting Units
Police vetting departments handle hundreds of requests each week. During high-demand periods, such as recruitment drives, waiting times can increase.
Follow-Up Queries
Occasionally, the vetting officer might request additional clarification about employment gaps or record discrepancies. Each query adds time until the applicant provides the required information.
How to Speed Up the Vetting Process?
Although some parts of the vetting process are beyond the applicant’s control, a few practical steps can help reduce waiting times:
- Double-check all information before submission.
- Use clear, legible copies of identification documents.
- Provide accurate address and employment history.
- Respond quickly to any follow-up requests from the vetting department.
- Stay in contact with the employer or recruitment team for updates.
A proactive approach can make a noticeable difference in processing time.
How Police Vetting Differs from Standard Background Checks?
Police vetting checks focus primarily on criminal and intelligence records. Standard employment background checks, however, may also include education verification, reference checks, or credit history reviews.
For employers looking for a comprehensive view of a candidate’s profile, combining both types is often beneficial. Many background check companies integrate police vetting into broader employment screening packages, making the process more efficient for recruiters and HR departments.
Bottom Line
Understanding how long police vetting checks take helps manage expectations for both applicants and employers. While the timeline varies, the process plays a vital role in building workplace security and public trust. Accuracy, communication, and patience remain key to faster results.
For organisations that frequently handle candidate screening, professional support can make a big difference. Contact The Background Checker today to simplify your police vetting process and keep your hiring timeline on track. We also offer BPSS clearance for added convenience!
