I didn't realize being a criminal was still a requirement!

February 12, 2008 6:24 AM

What exactly is a police 'clearance letter,' and how do I go about getting one?

I'm getting my Australian Citizenship (by descent), and after going through the paperwork for a millionth time, I realize that I'm short one document. I already have the FBI rap sheet (I'm clear!!), but now I see I need a clearance letter from my local police.

What is this, how do I get it, how much will it cost?

All of this is in NYC, under the jurisdiction of the NYPD.

While we're on the subject, if anyone has anything helpful to add re: my application, thanks very much in advance

posted by mhz to law & government (3 comments total)

google link

The first link looks to be quite relevant, however I found that it's best to use the contact info to find the actual source, and double check that everything is current.

http://criminaljustice.state.ny.us/ojis/recordreview.htm looks to be what you want. $50 to request it and get a "no record of arrest" response.

I can only reflect upon immigration to Canada, and I'll say that having lived in 5 states for more than 6 months in the last 10 years, and needing the FBI's record, and not being able to have any record older than 6 months was a pain in the ass. Especially in the 2002 time frame, as it took significantly longer for me to get a number of records than it was supposed to, but WI came quick enough that I had to request it again later when everything else came.
posted by nobeagle at 6:42 AM on February 12

Did you call the police and ask? I needed one in Chicago, so I walked into the local station and walked out with the number to call. I expected this to be a weird thing but it was totally routine for them.
posted by mrbugsentry at 7:30 AM on February 12

yeah, I did this a few years ago when it was required for a visa I needed for work. I have no knowledge of how the NYPD does things, but my local PD were very happy to produce proof that they hadn't arrested me for anything. It's something they do all the time, and I got the feeling that they sort of enjoyed interacting with someone who was neither a perp nor the victim of a crime. Give your local precinct a call on the non-emergency number and ask.
posted by harkin banks at 10:47 AM on February 12