Quick Summary
This blog post provides information on obtaining police clearances in different locations. It covers the process, required documents, costs, and processing times for police clearances in Washington, DC, South Africa, and Pennsylvania. Additionally, frequently asked questions are addressed to provide a comprehensive overview of the topic.
Introduction
Police clearances are an important requirement for various purposes such as employment, licensing, adoption, apartment rental, taxicab licensing or travel. They provide individuals with a record check to ensure their suitability and trustworthiness in these different areas. In this blog post, we will explore the process of obtaining police clearances in Washington DC (USA), South Africa and Pennsylvania (USA). We will discuss the necessary documents needed for application, processing times and costs associated with each jurisdiction.
Whether you’re looking to work abroad or simply want peace of mind knowing your criminal history is clean when applying for certain opportunities locally – understanding how to obtain a police clearance can be invaluable information.
In Washington DC’s Metropolitan Police Department website(1), they outline two options available when requesting a police clearance; Option A allows individuals seeking eligibility determination while option B covers all other purposes not related sealing/expunging records.
South African Police Service(SAPS)(2) provides detailed instructions on what applicants need including fingerprints taken by SAPS if living within SA borders but also accepts prints from any foreign country where there may be embassies present too! The cost per PCC request stands at R170 payable either cash nearest station electronically into account provided upon submission along certified copy ID/passport document proving maiden surname/other surnames required attached alongside proof payment receipt obtained during transaction time frame 15 working days after receiving complete documentation CR & CSM Pretoria office address mentioned above under contact details section.
Pennsylvania State Police Criminal History Record Check(PATCH)(3)-free volunteers $22 employees/foster parents- online paper requests possible using PATCH system which offers immediate results most cases otherwise messages received stating completion status ready review/printout control number logged back later date retrieve final outcome print form manually submit via mail call toll-free helpline queries regarding forms etc., answered promptly!
Stay tuned as we delve deeper into each region’s specific requirements processes involved obtaining these crucial documents. Whether you’re a job seeker, traveler or someone looking to adopt – understanding the process of acquiring police clearances is essential for your future endeavors.
References:
- Washington DC Metropolitan Police Department: https://mpdc.dc.gov/service/police-clearances-arrest-and-criminal-history-section
- South African Police Service (SAPS): https://www.saps.gov.za/services/applying_clearence_certificate.php
- Pennsylvania State Police Criminal History Record Check: https://www.dhs.pa.gov/KeepKidsSafe/Clearances/Pages/Criminal-Background-Check.aspx
Police Clearance in Washington, DC
Police clearances play a crucial role in various aspects of life. Whether you’re applying for employment, licensing, adoption, apartment rental, taxicab licensing or even traveling abroad – having a clean record is often required. In Washington D.C., the Metropolitan Police Department’s Arrest and Criminal History Section provides individuals with police clearance records.
To obtain a police clearance in Washington D.C., individuals need to complete PD Form 70 (Criminal History Request) available at the Arrest and Criminal History Section on the first floor of Police Headquarters. The processing time for most requests is approximately 24 hours.
Options for Requesting a Police Clearance
There are two options available when requesting a police clearance:
Option A
Option A allows individuals to request their arrest record specifically for determining eligibility regarding sealing or expunging their criminal history regardless of disposition or date of occurrence. This option costs $7 and takes up to 10 business days to process.
Option B
Option B enables individuals either personally or through an authorized representative to request their arrest record without any specific purpose mentioned above but only includes adult convictions within the past ten years where sentences have been completed as well as forfeitures related court proceedings during that same period. Option B also costs $7 with similar processing timescales as Option A.
When making your request for either option A or B it’s important that you provide valid identification such as driver’s license/non-driver ID card along with original birth certificate/social security card if necessary since these documents will be needed before releasing information about yourself onto paper by law enforcement officials who handle this matter professionally every day!
It should be noted that applicants must be at least eighteen years old while retrieving personal data from authorities’ databases; furthermore they can solely access details pertaining exclusively unto themselves rather than others due privacy concerns which arise under applicable laws governing disclosure practices followed hereabouts too!
Alternative Methods for Requesting a Police Clearance
For those living outside District boundaries unable visit office person there still exists possibility obtaining local background check via mail albeit slightly longer processing time. In such cases, a notarized letter containing full name, date of birth and social security number should be sent along with self-addressed stamped envelope to the Arrest and Criminal History Section. The cost for this service is also $7 while it takes approximately six weeks before receiving results.
Alternatively, individuals can opt for drop-off service without appointment which typically has shorter turnaround times averaging around two weeks from submission until completion; however applicants must appear person during designated hours provide driver’s license/non-driver ID card original birth certificate/social security card email address callback telephone number as well another self-addressed stamped envelope required return correspondence purposes!
In conclusion, obtaining a police clearance in Washington D.C. involves completing PD Form 70 at the Metropolitan Police Department’s Arrest and Criminal History Section headquarters. There are two options available – Option A specifically for determining eligibility regarding sealing or expunging criminal history records ($7) and Option B that includes adult convictions within the past ten years where sentences have been completed as well forfeitures related court proceedings during same period ($7). Processing times vary depending on chosen option but generally range between 10 business days up to several weeks if requesting by mail.
Police Clearance in South Africa
Issuing authority for Police Clearance Certificates (PCC) in South Africa:
The South African Police Service (SAPS) is responsible for issuing Police Clearance Certificates. These certificates confirm whether or not an individual has any criminal convictions and are often required for emigration purposes, travel, or employment abroad.
Documents required for PCC application:
To apply for a PCC, applicants must provide the following documents:
- A full set of fingerprints taken by the South African Police Service if living in South Africa. If living outside of South Africa, fingerprints can be taken at any police station in that country or at the nearest South African Embassy.
- A duly completed application form.
- A certified copy of the applicant’s identity document/passport.
- If a maiden surname and/or other surnames are required on the PCC, a documentary proof such as a certified copy of a marriage certificate should be attached to the application.
- Proof of payment. The fee for a PCCI is R170 per application, payable in cash at the nearest police station or electronically into the South Africa Police Service’s account.
Payment and processing time for applications:
Applicants need to pay R170 per application when submitting their request either in cash at the nearest police station or electronically into SAPS’ account. Applications will only be processed once payment has been received. Processing time for applications is approximately 15 working days from the date when all required documents are received by CR & CSM. Incomplete applications will not be processed.
Handling of applications for applicants living abroad:
For applicants residing outside of South Africa, they can send their completed application and required documents directly to Criminal Record and Crime Scene Management (CR & CSM). Applications received from abroad will not be returned to applicants themselves. For those who live within South Africa, they can request the police station to forward their applications to CR & CSM in Pretoria at no additional cost. Alternatively, applicants may personally deliver the application or use a postal or courier service at their own expense.
Contact information for Criminal Record and Crime Scene Management (CR&CSM):
Postal Address:
The Head: Criminal Record and Crime Scene Management
(For attention: Police Clearance Certificates)
South African Police Service
Private Bag X308,
PRETORIA,
South Africa 0001
Physical Address:
The Head: Criminal Record and Crime Scene Management
(For attention: Police Clearance Certificates)
Bothongo Plaza West CRC Client Service Centre
271 Francis Baard Street
Pretoria
Applicants are encouraged to provide a cell number on the application form to receive SMS updates on the progress of their application. It is important to note that no copies of fingerprints or scanned versions of fingerprints will be processed, and completed certificates will not be scanned and emailed to applicants. Certificates not collected within three months after finalization will be destroyed.
Police Clearance in Pennsylvania
Availability and Cost of the Pennsylvania State Police Criminal History Record Check
The Pennsylvania State Police Criminal History Record Check is available for both volunteers and employees. The cost of the check is free for volunteers, while it costs $22 for employees and foster/adoptive parents.
Methods of Requesting a Pennsylvania Criminal Record
There are two methods to request a criminal record in Pennsylvania: online request or paper request.
Online Request Process using “Pennsylvania Access To Criminal History (PATCH)”
Applicants can use the web-based computer application called “Pennsylvania Access To Criminal History (PATCH)” to submit their online requests. This method allows applicants to receive immediate results upon submission. If instant results are not received, applicants will be notified that their clearance request has been received, along with information on when they can expect the completion of their clearance results. It’s important to note that if an email address was not provided during registration, applicants should document the control number given by PATCH so they can log back into the system later on to obtain their clearance results once completed.
Paper Request Process and Form Review
For those who prefer submitting a paper form instead of applying online through PATCH, there is also an option available. To initiate this process:
- Visit the “Pennsylvania Access To Criminal History (PATCH)” website
- Follow the steps to review and print the form
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of a police clearance?
A police clearance serves as an official record check that provides information about an individual’s criminal history. It is often required for various purposes such as employment, licensing, adoption, apartment rental, taxicab licensing, or travel abroad. The purpose of obtaining a police clearance is to ensure safety and security by allowing organizations and individuals to make informed decisions based on someone’s background.
Can I request a police clearance for someone else?
In most cases, you can only request a police clearance for yourself. This ensures privacy and protects personal information from being accessed without consent. However, there may be certain circumstances where authorized representatives or legal guardians are allowed to request it on behalf of others.
Can I request a police clearance if I am under 18 years old?
Generally speaking, no; however, this requirement may vary depending on the jurisdiction in which you reside. In many places around the world, including South Africa and Washington DC, applicants must be at least 18 years old to retrieve their own Police Clearance Certificate (PCC). This age restriction helps protect minors’ rights while ensuring accurate disclosure of adult criminal records.
