Why Purpose Matters in Criminal History Checks

Dev Tripathi

13 Jan 2026 — 1 min read

When requesting a criminal history check, the purpose of the check plays a critical role in determining what information is released. Police agencies are responsible for deciding both what information appears on a check and how much detail is provided, and these decisions are made based on the stated purpose of the request.

Understanding and correctly identifying the purpose of a check helps ensure that applicants and employers receive accurate and appropriate results.

How Police Agencies Use the Purpose of a Check

Police agencies assess the purpose of a criminal history check to determine the relevance of the information being released. Because of this, every request must include a valid and specific purpose. Without one, the check may be delayed or not processed at all.

Criminal history checks are designed to be point-in-time assessments, meaning they reflect an individual’s criminal history at the time the check is conducted. They are also issued for a single, specific purpose, which is why accuracy is essential.

When a Criminal History Check Should Be Requested

A criminal history check should only be requested after an employment opportunity or entitlement has been identified. This ensures the check aligns with a genuine need, such as:

Commencing employment
Volunteering roles
Licensing or accreditation requirements
Access to certain entitlements or services

Requesting a check without a defined purpose may result in incomplete or inappropriate information being released.

Checks for Personal Use

While not encouraged, some individuals may wish to obtain a criminal history check before entering a formal employment or service arrangement. In these cases, applicants must clearly record the purpose as one of the following:

General Employment
For Personal Use Only

These descriptions allow police agencies to process the request appropriately while maintaining compliance with national guidelines.

Invalid Purpose Descriptions

Certain entries are not considered valid purposes and may lead to the check being rejected or not processed. These include:

Not Applicable
Unemployed

Using an invalid purpose can cause unnecessary delays and inconvenience for both applicants and organisations. Providing a clear and valid purpose when requesting a criminal history check is more than a formality; it ensures the process is fair, accurate, and compliant with national standards. By selecting the correct purpose from the outset, applicants and employers can avoid delays and receive results that truly reflect the intended use of the check.

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