Spearhead and Short-Term
How to survive getting your police clearance
- Hot Tip
- Don't wait until the last minute to get your police clearance. It can take longer than you think.
One of the greatest obstacles in the application process seems to be the police clearance required of all applicants. Not wanting to add any more stress to the application process than it already is, here are a few things to help you in that requirement:
- Go to your local police department and tell them you need a police clearance for working in a summer program overseas. You are looking for something similar to what would be needed to work with children in a school setting. Many police departments have a form they fill out called a Criminal Record Release. You do not need to be finger printed.
- If you are a student, go to the local department closest to your school if you are unable to get a relative back home get it for you.
- The format varies from state to state, and at times, city to city. Sometimes you have to fill out a form. Sometimes not. Sometimes you pay a fee and sometimes not. It seems to vary a good deal.
- You really want a national clearance if at all possible but I understand that if there is a problem, it will appear at any local police station.
- If the word National that appears on our application throws either you or the local police station, do not use it. Simply ask for a police clearance to work in a summer program. You will likely get what we are looking for.
- You will need to be persistent! They will give you one, but it may take a trip or two, so don't save this until the last minute.
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