Police Check can't find exact answer in Forum history Sender: Pollyana

A little explanation for you Rich - while I agree it would be easier if they all used the same, heres something I posted last night on another thread -

"Its because they are all funded and run independently, so they can make their own rules for ID, and have their own forms. The only thing that is standard is the fee - set by the Home Office - and the fact that all checks are done within the parameters of the Data Protection Act. The fee is paid to the force, they bank the money, return the ID, and then send the form on to New scotland Yard, who do the actual check. Each month the Yard will bill the forces for the checks it has carried out on their behalf. Part of the reason why the checks go to the local force first is because you can also request a check on locally held records - which includes very minor offences, and intelligence. DIMIA don't require this, and many forces will charge extra for it. Unlike the Police National Computer check done by the Yard, these local checks do not have to reveal everything - a lot of stuff is held back because its release could compromise ongoing investigations. Hope that makes it a smidgin clearer!"

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