Acro criminal record check. It’s a service to protect vulnerable people.
Acro criminal record check. These checks involve accessing the Police National Computer (PNC) in the United Kingdom and looking No, although both documents include criminal record details, an enhanced DBS check includes ongoing investigations and pending cases, whereas the ACRO only details criminal records and spent convictions. The ACRO Public Access team will review the request received and conduct quality checks to ensure all necessary information has been provided and the application meets the eligibility criteria of the process. The procedure for obtaining a criminal record check differs depending on your country of origin. There are two main official types of criminal record checks available to order in England and Wales. This blog will explain the ACRO UK Police Check for you, including who it’s meant for, how to Police certificates A police certificate confirms whether or not you have a criminal record in the United Kingdom and is required as part of the visa process by the respective high commission or embassy. ACRO is the UK's designated authority for providing criminal record certificates for these purposes. Apr 22, 2023 · What Shows Up on ACRO Police Check? An ACRO Police Check is a certificate confirming whether the person has a criminal record in the United Kingdom and may include any foreign criminal history. You have the right to ask for a copy of records the police have about you. The ACRO vision is: People protecting people - making you safer as trusted global leaders in criminal history information. Step-by-step guide, prices, processing times, requirements, and expert help. ACRO Start my DBS check ACRO is the name given for the UK Criminal Records Office, the official government agency which has the job of checking up on the police records of people who want to leave the UK and emigrate to another country such as the United States, Australia or New Zealand. *ACRO Criminal Record Office is a national police unit, head quartered in Hampshire and based near Fareham, that provides a range of policing-related services for the public, international law enforcement organisations, and non-police agencies. Jul 2, 2025 · An ACRO Police Certificate is an official document issued by the ACRO Criminal Records Office, part of UK law enforcement. You'll need a police certificate if: Perform a UK criminal record check on your job candidate or employee. Feb 10, 2025 · ACRO provides police certificates and criminal record checks for individuals needing background verification for visa applications, overseas employment, and immigration purposes. ACRO background checks are primarily used for international purposes, such as immigration, visa applications, or employment in another country. uk and a member of the team will contact you within 72 hours. You have the right to ask for a copy of records the police have about you on the Police National Computer (PNC) and this request is processed by ACRO. Oct 24, 2023 · At Vanner Perez Notaries, we regularly assist clients with the notarisation and legalisation (apostille) of criminal record checks issued in the UK that need to be presented to the authorities of other countries. You will be able to apply for multiple applications/request forms from one account, and you will be able to see the submission status or delete incomplete applications that you have started. A leader in the field of criminal records and biometric information, we provide a range of services that deliver operational benefits to law enforcement and public protection teams, help bring offenders to justice and meet the legitimate information access and management needs of the public. The UK Criminal Records Office, ACRO, is the official UK government agency tasked with checking up on the police records of individuals. Mar 12, 2021 · Planning to live or retire abroad? UK passport holders need a Criminal Record Check, or Police Certificate for a visa application. The Disclosure and Barring Service are a part of the Home Office, and exists to help employers make informed decisions regarding employing new people by allowing them to carry out background checks. Aug 11, 2023 · The ACRO Criminal Records Office, or just ACRO, provides criminal background checks. While DBS check is essential for domestic employment checks, ACRO is the go-to service for anyone requiring a criminal record check for international purposes. Apr 26, 2024 · Welcome to our step-by-step guide on obtaining a Free UK Criminal Record Check through the ACRO Police Certificate UK process. How to apply Details and instructions on how to apply are available from the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) Criminal Records Office (ACRO) website. What If the Information Held on an ACRO Check is Incorrect? Those unsure whether they have a criminal record can request an ACRO Subject Access Request. Do you get the ACRO in other countries as well? Other countries have their own versions of the criminal record check, like the FBI check in the US, but in this video we’ll just talk about the ACRO. police. As an individual, you have the right to access and receive a copy of your personal data. May 9, 2022 · The UK Criminal Records Office, or ACRO, is tasked with checking up on the police records of people who want to leave the UK. The agency dealing with an ACRO Check cannot make any amendments regarding what is shown when carrying out a PNC check. We source the information from UK national criminal records registers through ECRIS . We handle all media enquiries relating to the work of ACRO Criminal Records Office: communications@acro. Media enquiries Members of the media should contact ACRO's Communications team. Full article on how to get an apostille for an apostille for for a UK ACRO Police Certificate. The process of applying for and using an ACRO check begins with an application to the Criminal Records Office, either online or by post. Email (hello@apostillelondon. What the different types are and what you must know before getting one. Jul 25, 2025 · When it comes to background checks, one commonly asked question is how long an ACRO police check remains valid for. The document includes any foreign criminal history information of the person that has been disclosed to the UK authorities. This process is run by the Disclosure and Barring Service in England and Wales, and similar sister bodies in Scotland and Northern Ireland. They ensure that individuals cannot evade their criminal past, and protect Oct 31, 2019 · Why would I need an ACRO certificate? The Criminal Records Office, or ACRO, has access to the same information as the DBS service. It is a document issued by ACRO Certifying Officers that proves whether you have been convicted of a crime in the UK. However, you can’t use a certificate issued by ACRO in connection with a job application. The step-down model is used by ACRO as a means of ensuring that the disclosure of criminal convictions on Police Certificates and International Child Protection Certificates (ICPC) is proportionate and necessary for Feb 15, 2025 · This document, issued by the ACRO Criminal Records Office in the UK, serves as proof of your criminal record status. It could also include any foreign criminal history information if it has been made available to the UK. Disclosures for ACRO Subject Access Requests only include checks on the PNC. Having submitted a form you will have access via your account to a downloadable PDF version of the completed application/request form for a 30-day period,which you can download and keep for your own records. This could be for a work visa, residency or an extended trip. If a name-based criminal record check does not provide a definite way of confirming your identity, you may be asked to provide fingerprints. If criminal history taken place outside of the UK has been disclosed with the authorities in the UK, this This is a document issued by the Criminal Records Office (ACRO) which states whether you have criminal convictions in the UK. Name Police certificate Issued by The National Police Chiefs’ Council Criminal Records Office (often referred to as ACRO) Use For individuals […] Nov 23, 2023 · The ACRO Police Certificate is a document specific to UK nationals, detailing their criminal record history. Securing a criminal background check prior to employment, licensure, or certification provides a hiring or licensing authority an important resource, which aids in the evaluation of the applicant. This is referred to as a Subject Access Request or ‘SAR’. ACRO is the designated authority in the UK which issues criminal record certificates for use overseas. Our purpose is to support UK and international law enforcement by securely processing criminal records for the purpose of public protection, safeguarding and worldwide community safety. Aug 16, 2024 · Conclusion Both ACRO and DBS play crucial roles in safeguarding communities and ensuring individuals’ suitability for specific roles, whether within the UK or abroad. The use of fingerprints is the most accurate way to confirm a person's identity. It confirms whether or not you have a criminal record in the UK and is often required for various immigration processes, including applying for Aliyah (immigration to Israel). Special considerations If your police certificate states “No Live Trace”, you’ll have to provide further information or documentary evidence on your stepped-down record (if available). Police background checks legalised for use outside of the UK. This certificate is often required for various purposes, such as employment, visas, or immigration. Issue the apostille on NPCC, ACPO and ACRO certificates. The step-down model is used by ACRO as a means of ensuring that the disclosure of criminal convictions on Police Certificates and International Child Protection Certificates (ICPC) is proportionate and necessary for the intended purpose, in compliance with data protection legislation. My solicitor informed me I need an ACRO report, which I applied for yesterday, and I saw the report takes 10-20 working days. These are: ACRO Police Certificate I have my appointment booked and approaching soon, I have a clear DBS check (criminal record check). To obtain a transcript, you will need to contact the court with jurisdiction over your particular case (s) for certified documents. In addition, this section of the form records who the application/request is being made for and depending on your selection, you may be required to provide further information. The step-down model is used by ACRO as a means of ensuring that the disclosure of criminal convictions on Police Certificates and International Child Protection Certificates (ICPC) is proportionate and necessary for the intended purpose, in compliance with data protection legislation. The certificate will show any criminal record within the UK. Apr 13, 2024 · Article explaining 'How to get a criminal record checked in the UK'. It details any convictions, cautions, reprimands or other police-held information about an individual. This document is called the ACRO as it is issued by the ACPO Criminal Records Office. The name of the organisation and the country will be printed on the certificate. An ACRO police check, also known as an ACRO criminal records office check, is a document that provides information about a person’s criminal convictions. The ACRO-CRB Police Check certifies whether the person concerned has a criminal record in the United Kingdom. For other countries The police can make checks of what is held on their systems about individuals, it is known as a subject access request and is not a criminal records check. All About ACRO and Police Check UK Most of us will have heard about the process for running criminal records checks on applicants for certain jobs within the UK. Additionally, we’ll explore the ACRO Criminal Records Office (ACRO) check, which plays a vital role in international criminal record verification. The certificate details whether or not the applicant has a criminal record in the United The step-down model is used by ACRO as a means of ensuring that the disclosure of criminal convictions on Police Certificates and International Child Protection Certificates (ICPC) is proportionate and necessary for the intended purpose, in compliance with data protection legislation. Mar 28, 2025 · How to apply for an ACRO Police check for your Spanish visa. UK visa applicants must request criminal record certificates from relevant authorities in the countries in which they have ACPO (Association of Chief Police Officers) is an alternative criminal record check which shows all data on the PNC (Police National Computer). But that’s not the police check you need in order to apply for the Non Lucrative Visa. May 21, 2025 · If you need to prove your criminal record status in the UK for visa applications, immigration, employment, or travel, the ACRO UK Police Check is one of the most important documents. A criminal record check will determine if you have been charged or convicted of a crime. This page references all the necessary information including a copy of the national guidance and application form. Nov 3, 2023 · The Step-down Model is only used by ACRO as a means of ensuring that the disclosure of criminal convictions on Police Certificates and International Child Protection Certificates (ICPC) is proportionate and necessary for the intended purpose, in compliance with Data Protection legislation. A Criminal Record Certificate (CRC) is often a mandatory requirement, serving as an official record of your criminal history. This is called a ‘subject access request’. If the data subject currently lives or has lived in Scotland and requires access to information that may be held about them on the Criminal History Scotland (CHS) database, a separate request to Police Scotland will need to be made. ACRO's Communications team is available Monday to Friday (not including bank holidays in England and Wales) between 8. However, to use it in China, it must go through a multi-step legalization process. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Oct 10, 2022 · The National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) ACRO Criminal Record Office are the administration who issue police certificates. uk The ACRO Criminal Records Office (ACRO) issues Police Certificates to people who want to emigrate or have been required to produce a Police Certificate (sometimes known as a “Certificate of Good Conduct”) by an Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. What’s the difference between an ACRO Police Certificate and a DBS check? ACRO Police Certificates are mainly for use outside the UK for immigration, visas and foreign What is the ACRO step-down model? Criminal convictions that appear on the Police National Computer (PNC) do so until the data subject is deemed to have reached 100 years of age. This guide provides a detailed walkthrough of the application process, legalization steps, and additional tips to ensure a smooth experience. A Police Certificate details whether you have a criminal record in the United Kingdom and may be required as part of a stay in another country. Jun 20, 2024 · UK Visa Criminal Record Certificate Guide 2024! Applying for a UK visa with a criminal record can be complex. National Police Chiefs Council ACRO Criminal Records Office Check STANDARD > 15 Working Days Order a new ACRO and The Apostilles Group will receive it within around 15 working days - £130 (Includes ACRO fee of £68) EXPRESS > 2 Working Days Order a new ACRO and The Apostilles Group will receive it within around 2 The UK Criminal Records Office is the governmental agency tasked with checking up on the police records of individuals who want to live or work abroad, or apply for a job that involves working with children. Find out which one you need for visas, international travel, or employment, and what each includes. com) or call us at 0207 0500 692 We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. These certificates are not meant for use in seeking employment within the UK or to emigrate to the UK. Prior to making a Public Records Act request, the information in the following Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) may be helpful. . Oct 8, 2024 · A criminal background check is required when applying for a work visa in China to ensure that individuals with criminal records do not enter and work there. Jan 6, 2025 · For overseas employment or visa applications, ACRO provides police certificates that verify UK criminal history Applicants seeking to work with children abroad can obtain an International Child Protection Certificate (ICPC) to check UK and international criminal records. Apr 16, 2025 · Learn the key differences between ACRO and DBS background checks in the UK. Some countries request the police certificate as proof that you haven’t committed any crimes before they issue your visa permit to enter or stay in their country. This certificate is mostly obtained for immigration purposes abroad and is used by people applying for work or business visas in a foreign country. Aug 18, 2018 · ACRO – Criminal Records Office The body in the UK which organises and prepares police certificates for those moving overseas is called ACRO. Feb 26, 2025 · The ACRO Police Certificate is an official document issued by the Association of Chief Police Officers Criminal Records Office (ACRO) in the UK. How do you May 22, 2013 · Who can apply, how to apply and contact details for criminal record checks overseas. The document will not only be watermarked but it will contain an ‘ACRO Criminal Records Office’ hologram on the certificate. The Apostilles Group can order an ACRO Police Certificate on your behalf. The ACRO Criminal Records Office is responsible for issuing police clearance certificates for overseas purposes. Jan 31, 2025 · The ACRO Criminal Records Office (ACRO) issues police certificates to people who want to emigrate or have been required to produce a police certificate (sometimes known as a “certificate of good Jun 2, 2025 · The certificate displays comprehensive criminal record information including conviction details, dates, and nature of offenses, plus any shared overseas criminal records. Keep reading to learn how to request your UK police check. The main function of ACRO is to issue police certificates as part of a visa application process. Police checks are not needed for people going abroad on business, or on a It’s a service to protect vulnerable people. This comprehensive guide simplifies the CRC requirement, explaining its importance, the different types (including ACRO police certificates for UK residents and Sep 22, 2022 · For Standard and Enhanced criminal record checks, the organisation to be used will be determined by where the suitability decision is being made, regardless of where in the UK the applicant lives. If there are details that need to be disputed, this needs to be addressed with the police force, who updated the records. Those who wish to have a successful Spanish visa application, will require either a Police Certificate, or an International Child Protection Certificate. 30am and 4. It’s not the same thing as the DBS checks which are carried out on people who are working in the Nov 11, 2024 · This article explains what a DBS check is, when and why it is needed, its significance, and the distinctions between individual and organizational DBS checks. But the full name for the ACRO office is the ‘ACRO Criminal Record Office’, so the ‘CRO’ element likely refers to the criminal record processing that happens at the office. After 12 months the record of the form submission will be deleted from your account. 30pm UK time. Jun 15, 2024 · In the UK this means your ACRO* Certificate. You might need a subject access request if you move to another country. A Subject Access Request from ACRO will provide you with a record of information stored on the PNC. ACRO Background Checks ACRO background checks are generally only needed for international purposes, such as emigrating from the UK to another country, visa applications, or overseas employment. If the information on the Record Deletion page does not answer your question, please email deletions@acro. Oct 31, 2019 · Why would I need an ACRO certificate? The Criminal Records Office, or ACRO, has access to the same information as the DBS service. To be valid for a Non-Lucrative Visa application, this certificate must be apostilled and translated by a registered Spanish translator. The police will provide you with a certificate stating that there is either no information held about you on the police systems or it will detail any convictions. For many countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, a police certificate has to be submitted before your visa is granted. rglm stwq ewfrtv tblcbd jsjcs gozinwn oygkmc hcwz oeelk jaox