Job Discussion Forums

[John Lennon]

Hi all,

I am currently in the process of making an application for the Jet Programme (from the UK) and have the following question about the criminal record check.

I am currently 30 years old and I have 1 minor stain on my character. When I was about 17 (so still a minor) I was arrested whilst drunk and ended up getting a formal caution for drunk and disorderly (or something similar).

Is this going to hamper me in trying to get on the Jet Programme?

Should I answer yes to the question about having a Criminal Record?

The application form says that you must submit a copy of your complete criminal record.

I do not know how I would obtain this, Is it possible that my caution will not show up?

Any help on this matter would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

John.

[seklarwia]

You'd get a criminal check from Disclosure Scotland: http://www.disclosurescotland.co.uk/

What type of check do they want? Cautions won't appear on a basic check, but will likely on a standard or enhanced check. Records as a minor may not appear on the standard or basic check but will on the enhanced.

BTW, it takes about 10 working days to receive your criminal check (assuming all your info and paperwork checks out) but it can take longer. So chances are you won't see it before you send off the application.

Will something that long ago and quite minor affect your application now? It shouldn't but competition for JET is fierce so it might.

Will you get disqualified immediately and possibly black listed if you say you have nothing now but then your record shows otherwise? Absolutely.

The application makes it very clear that any false declarations will immediately get your application shredded.

[Glenski]

I seriously doubt that such a minor infraction so long ago will hinder your chances at being accepted to JET. You may have to worry about other matters, like passing the interview.

[Cool Teacher]

Hey I thuink I had a caution once for drinknig and disorderly but I got a place on JET so maybe no problem. I don't remember being asked about crimial record though but I usually answer no because I don't consider myself to have a criminal resord I was never convicted of anything.

[seklarwia]

I remember there was section that asked about it. But we weren't required to send a police check with the application (though we would have likely had to supply one later)

It shouldn't be that big of a deal but if they have one position left and two great candidates to choose from but one has a caution the other is completely clean, it may end up the deciding factor.

Why don't you check in with a police station and ask? Many things get wiped from you record after a certain length of time, especially if it was back when you were a minor. They'll be able to give you a good idea as to whether your caution remains on record. If you have a mate in the force, get them to run your name to see if anything comes up.

[G Cthulhu]

Ask your local cop shop if it would show up. If they say no then answer no on the form. if they say yes, answer yes and explain.

[John Lennon]

Thanks Guys!

I think that I will answer yes to the question and hope that I get an interview etc.

I have made a few phone calls but still can not be certain if this will show up. Apparantly the caution will show up when they search the Police National Computer but not necesarily on the document I provide for JET.

I dont want this to jepordise my chances, but I think I would rather answer honestly than risk being disqualified for lying.

Thanks.

John.

[Mr_Monkey]

A formal caution remains on your record for five years, iirc.

[seklarwia]

[northernfeller]

Hi guys,

A couple of points before I ask my question. To obtain a copy of your criminal record you need to complete a subject access, which is available from http://www.disclosurescotland.co.uk.

Asking the police directly about your criminal record is a waste of time, they will not tell you for data protection reasons.

If your caution is over 5 years old it will not show up, similarly if you received your caution under the age of 18 it is wiped even sooner. Japan are very strict on stuff like this so I wouldn't even try to cover it up, be open, drinking isn't illegal in Japan.

My question is similar to the Mr Lennon's.

Having been rejected by JET for having a previous drugs (cannabis) conviction on my record, does anyone know if I am wasting my time trying to geta position teaching English in Japan at all (outside of the JET scheme)?

Does anyone know if the drug conviction (specifically) will bar me from employment as a teacher (would it be different for kids or adults?)?

Any hard factual anecdotal information would be greatly appreciated and well recieved.

Cheers guys.

[seklarwia]

[hellerson]

So Northernfella,

You had to get a basic disclosure from Disclosure Scotland to give to Jet?

Or did you just tell them about your conviction?

The reason I ask is that your cannabis conviction should become spent after 5 years and would then cease to appear on the basic disclosure.

[fluffyhamster]

I can't imagine even JET is now insisting on CRB check papers from applicants - the application is involved enough! And from what I recall it's always been a 'If (and that's a big if) it is discovered (somehow) that you have made a false statement in your application, you may well be dismissed from the Programme', plus one doesn't need a CRB for any other sort of job/visa (eikaiwa teacher, dispatch AET etc). So I guess Northernfeller disclosed it up front and voluntarily...meaning (Northernfeller) that you should be OK in applying for those other jobs, assuming (as I am) that your JET attempt fell at a very early hurdle and well before your details would ever have been being passed on to Japanese Immigration to peruse - right?

[seklarwia]

[G Cthulhu]