Additional digital services create easy and secure link between police and community, NSW

The NSW Police Force has announced new advancements to its Community Portal, including a new process for National Police Checks, with requests for information and reporting now available online.

Individuals will be able to apply for a National Police Check directly from the NSW Police Force. The streamlined digital service provides an end to end online process from application submission, identity verification, payment and the issuing of a branded, digital National Police Certificate within one hour.

This is in addition to a range of new services that were launched on the user-friendly online Community Portal in September 2020, including minor crime reporting.

Deputy Commissioner Corporate Services, Malcolm Lanyon, said the Portal is intended to be a ‘one stop shop’ for members of the community.

“People are on their devices more and more, so it was important for the NSW Police Force to modernise with the times and provide an efficient and convenient service to the community,” Deputy Commissioner Lanyon said.

“The refreshed Community Portal, now with the National Police Check, represents a digitisation of police services. The platform offers secure and convenient information sharing, with a focus on quality customer service delivery, convenience and flexibility.

“More importantly, the NSW Police Force is a badge you can trust. When you request or provide information through a police platform, you know you’re dealing with a credible organisation and your data privacy and safety is our priority.”

Minister for Police and Emergency Services, The Hon. David Elliott MP, said for situations that don’t require an emergency response, any online reporting system serves as a useful and secure channel for the community to contact police.

“These enhancements will not only improve the end-to-end digital user experience, but also continue with the Government’s strategic direction to provide the community with a digital engagement platform for the delivery of frontline services, that will lead to improved customer service,” Mr Elliott said.

The enhanced Community Portal website offers an easy to use, intuitive and sleek design that now offers users a Help Centre and real-time support via Live Chat that they can access from any device, anywhere, anytime.

Members of the community will be able to report more crimes online, including:

  • Fail to pay for goods and services
  • Break, enter and steal (no persons present)
  • Minor traffic crash
  • Stolen motor vehicle
  • Lost property
  • Intentional damage and graffiti
  • Theft

Individuals can also apply for National Police Checks for purposes of employment, student placements, Visa, adoption, admission as a lawyer, and volunteering in a commonwealth aged care facility. They will receive a digital certificate within the hour.

The Community Portal provides more flexibility and convenience when reporting minor crime or applying for information as customers only need to share their key details and information once across a broad range of transactions.

“The portal is a useful, comprehensive and complementary addition to our already successful and efficient reporting mechanisms and does not replace police on the street,” Deputy Commissioner Lanyon said.

“By streamlining the process for members of the community, we are able to reduce valuable time spent by police officers and admin staff doing unnecessary administration. With more non-urgent services online, it will mean more officers are available for emergencies and investigations, as well as proactive operations to deter and prevent crimes.

“We are confident the new online function will further promote open, transparent and positive engagement between police and the wider community.”

The Community Portal is a NSW Police Force website that can be accessed at: https://portal.police.nsw.gov.au.

To apply for an authentic National Police Check and receive an official certificate issued directly from the NSW Police Force visit: https://www.police.nsw.gov.au/npc

For more information about how the portal can assist you, refer to the Public Info Pack available here.

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