Well, it's time to get that police certificate ordered!

I had seen threads on here before about how to get one, but...they were confusing! One person had posted a form, and the reports were conflicting as to whether it was acceptable or not.

Then I did a Google search on it, and the Metropolitan Police's website says they don't issue such certificates

So...what's the deal? How does my UK beneficiary go about actually getting said form?

Thanks in advance!

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=98398

Maybe it's because I'm a big dumb American, but I mean. There is no standard reply. Some people say "Go here, do this" some say "I did this", etc.

If she were to download the form, take the fee, and go to her local PD, would they be able to process it for her? The things I've been reading seem to say yes, but I'd like to make sure before telling her to do so.

Actually there is. Read my reply in that thread which is also on the UK embassy page here.

just walk into a police station or phone them and ask about "a request for disclosure of information held on police national computer". I have a few friends in the police force....and as soon as I said disclosure for immigration...they knew exacyly what I meant.

I may as well take the chance to ask:

what about a police certificate from a place which is no longer your place of residence?
ie, I lived in Australia up until the age of 31; I need a police certificate from there for my interview, but I'm currently living in London... how do I get it? (I'm assuming that the police check I brought with me at the time, in order to register with teaching agencies, is no longer valid, despite me not having lived in Aus since it was issued...?)

Information for Police Checks for all states:
http://usembassy-australia.state.gov/consu...ertificate.html

Obtaining a Police Certificate for Australia
If you reside outside Australia
Applicants who live overseas should refer requests to the Australian Federal Police. Applicants are required to apply for a police certificate based on a name and fingerprint check. Police clearances issued on the basis of only a name check will not be accepted. More information is available on the Australian Federal Police website or via email at vetting@afp.gov.au.

The one you have in your possession will no longer be valid as the longest validity period is 12 months.

thank you, julezabelle

don't you love that logic though... the one I have is no longer valid, even though it can be instantly proven that I have not resided in the country since it was issued, and therefore could not have embarked upon a life of crime there
it's like job applications that insist on proof that you passed high school English, when you can show a Bachelor of Arts majoring in English

That is information is a bit like Microsoft Support answering a question, technically correct but no use at all.

Technically the Met or any other police service doesn't issue the certificate it comes from the National Identification Service, which is at New Scotland Yard which is why people think the Met Police issue them.

You apply to the police service in whose area you reside, either by calling in personally at a police station or sending the forms by post, and up to 40 days later you certificate arrives at your home address by post.

Ask for a Subject Access form of just say you want to obtain any details held on the Police National Computer about yourself.

I would suggest phoning first and/or searching for the website for your regional police. In Thames Valley, and perhaps other areas, they will not accept any subject access applications in person.