The Criminal Records Bureau

The main objective in creating the CRB was to facilitate access to criminal records so that employers could make better hiring decisions, regarding sensitive jobs dealing with children and other vulnerable persons. Applications for criminal record checks supposedly take anywhere from 10 to 28 days, depending of the disclosure level, yet because the CRB is such a new bureau, it often takes much longer. If someone wants to conduct their own criminal record search, then the CRB is not involved and he or she must request "subject access" from the British police force.

There are two main levels of disclosure that the Criminal Records Bureau uses to conduct each criminal record search. The lowest level is called Standard Disclosure. This level is used for persons who have jobs that regularly require them to come into contact with children or vulnerable adults, but can also be used for jobs that have a high level of responsibility, like accountancy. The Standard Disclosure criminal record checks give details of any convictions, reprimands or final warnings the individual has received, no matter the length of time since the incidents. Also, information is given regarding whether an individual has even been banned from working with children or vulnerable adults. The other level of disclosure is called Enhanced Disclosure. It is used for jobs that have nearly constant contact with children or vulnerable adults. Professions, such as doctors and social workers must have Enhanced Disclosure, and it includes the additional step of a direct police check for any additional criminal records information.

The U.K. created the Criminal Records Bureau in response to the police having to conduct too many criminal record checks. They made the bureau to facilitate the process. The inspiration for the bureau was the safety of children and vulnerable adults. If you apply for a criminal record search with the bureau, then allow at least 10-28 days for them to process your request.