The Initial Background Checks stage has two steps, and you will be asked to complete two online forms: 

 

Initial Background Check 1


Once you have completed your Initial Background Check 1 form in your candidate portal, we'll use the information to complete initial checks on you and your partner/spouse (if you have one). Regarding any offences, each applicant is assessed using the C.A.R.E model to determine their eligibility:

  • Classification of the offence(s)
  • Age of the applicant
  • Recency of history
  • Extent of history

People with serious proven convictions relating to specific drugs, dishonesty, violence and sexual crimes, recent or multiple drink-driving convictions can’t join New Zealand Police. People with less serious or one-off historic convictions are considered on a case-by-case basis. Background checks are part of the selection process, and every applicant is assessed on their own merit. We are unable to provide details regarding an outcome until you apply. It's essential you fully disclose all Police interactions to the recruitment team in your application and throughout the recruitment process.

Some terms you may come across include:

  • Letter of Explanation (LOE): If we require more information from you about your Police interactions, we'll ask you for a formal letter of explanation (LOE) before progressing. This will be evaluated by a Recruitment Manager.
  • Request for Information (RFI): We will ask you if we require more information to carry out any of our background checks. This additional information will be evaluated by the Recruitment Team.
  • Commissioned Officer (CO) Interview: In some circumstances, an interview with a Commissioned Officer may be required to discuss your background information in person.
  • Review Panels (CRRP / NSP): At any time, information that impacts your application maybe referred to our Constabulary Recruitment Review Panel (CRRP) and/or our National Selection Panel (NSP) for a final decision.
  • Military Clearance: If you have served with the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF), we will ask you for your consent to obtain your NZDF service records.
  • Police Professional Conduct Check: This check only applies to applicants who have previously been or currently employed by the New Zealand Police.

 

Initial Background Check 2


If you are suitable to continue after completing the Initial Background Check 1 form, you will be asked to complete an Initial Background Check 2 form in your candidate portal. This information provides us with further information about your background, which we use to run further background checks.

Other checks that begin at this point in the selection process include (not necessarily in order):

All Applicants:
Some Applicants:
  • Background Checks (History): We will assess your background history that will cover a minimum of 5 years immediately preceding your application.
  • Background Checks (Family and Friends): We will ask you for details of your family and friends. Some proven charges and offences concerning your family and/or friends may have an impact on your application, however, all are considered on a case-by-case basis
  • Credit Checks: We will assess your financial decision making and determine if there are any risks to New Zealand Police.
  • Immigration Check
  • Fingerprint Clearance  
  • Overseas Clearance: If you have lived overseas for three months or more, we will ask you to obtain police clearances from the relevant jurisdictions for New Zealand Police to assess. Please visit this link for more information on this process.
  • Ministry of Social Development (MSD) Benefit Check: If you've ever received a government benefit, we will ask you for your consent to verify with MSD your benefit history including any payment issues.

 

You'll also need to upload a Curriculum Vitae or CV (sometimes called a "resume"). It sets out your education, qualifications, and any previous occupations. A CV is arranged in reverse date order, so the most recent roles or positions appear first, at the top of your CV. Your CV introduces you to our constabulary recruitment staff and tells us about you. Get familiar with the New Cops website so you understand the role of a Police Officer so that your relevant skills, knowledge and experience is included in your CV.

In addition to any paid employment or education, our constabulary recruitment staff will take into consideration anything you do for the community. This could include working in a community group, playing or coaching sports, mentoring young people, involvement in the arts, volunteering, fundraising, or something else. Be sure to include an overview of this type of activity.

Before writing your CV, you may benefit from becoming familiar with Our Values.