Biometric Criminal Record Screening
Verify a candidate’s criminal record status through digitally captured fingerprints checked electronically against the South African Police Service database.
SSC Legacy provides fingerprint-based criminal record checks for employment screening, contractor vetting, sensitive appointments and existing workforce reviews.
A name, identity number or declaration alone may not provide sufficient assurance about a candidate’s criminal record status. Fingerprint-based screening connects the enquiry to the individual’s biometric identity.
Digitally captured fingerprints help connect the criminal record enquiry to the person being screened.
Add an independent criminal record check to your recruitment and employee vetting procedures.
Identify information that may require clarification before an appointment or access decision is finalised.
Service Overview
Criminal record screening in South Africa is conducted using a set of digitally captured fingerprints.
SSC Legacy captures the candidate’s fingerprints electronically and submits the biometric information through recognised criminal record screening channels.
The fingerprints are processed using Automated Fingerprint Identification System technology, commonly referred to as AFIS, and checked against the relevant South African Police Service criminal record database.
Using fingerprints helps reduce the risk of a criminal record enquiry being conducted against the wrong person because of similar names, incorrect identity details or incomplete candidate information.
The service can be used as a standalone criminal record check or included in a broader employee screening and vetting programme.
What Is Required?
Accurate information and good-quality fingerprints are required for the criminal record screening process.
The Verification Process
The check follows a structured process from candidate consent and fingerprint capture through to the delivery of the result.
The employer or candidate arranges an appointment for the digital fingerprint capture.
The candidate’s identity information is confirmed and the required consent documentation is completed.
The candidate’s fingerprints are captured electronically using biometric fingerprint-scanning equipment.
The fingerprints are submitted for criminal record screening and the available result is reported to the authorised client.
Screening Outcomes
The screening outcome records the information returned through the selected criminal record verification channel.
When further investigation or SAPS verification is required, the final outcome may take longer than a standard electronically returned result.
A result may indicate that:
The result should be reviewed carefully before an employment or access decision is made.
Turnaround Times
Many fingerprint-based criminal record enquiries can be processed electronically within a relatively short period.
However, turnaround times can vary according to system availability, fingerprint quality, the accuracy of the candidate information submitted and whether further SAPS verification is required.
Where a possible criminal record match is identified or additional verification is requested, the final result may take longer.
SSC Legacy will provide the available status and result but cannot guarantee a fixed turnaround time where processing depends on third-party systems or SAPS verification.
Group Bookings
For larger groups, SSC Legacy can arrange fingerprint capture at the organisation’s premises.
A mobile fingerprinting service can be arranged for organisations that need to screen multiple candidates, employees or contractors at one location.
A biometric screening specialist travels to the agreed premises and captures the required fingerprints electronically.
The mobile service may be suitable for:
Mobile fingerprinting is available in Johannesburg and selected surrounding areas, subject to location, group size and availability. Travel and on-site service charges may apply.
Suitable For
Fingerprint criminal record checks can be used for candidates, existing workers and third-party personnel.
Broader Screening
A fingerprint criminal record check can form part of a broader employee screening and vetting programme.
The final screening scope can be matched to the authority, access and risk associated with the position.
Consent & Privacy
A criminal record check cannot be conducted without the candidate’s informed and signed consent.
The candidate is required to complete the applicable consent and indemnity documentation before the fingerprints and personal information are submitted for screening.
Personal and biometric information must be collected, processed, stored and shared responsibly and only for the authorised screening purpose.
The employer should ensure that criminal record screening is relevant to the position and is conducted fairly and consistently across comparable candidates or employees.
Important Distinction
An employment criminal record check using digitally captured fingerprints is not the same service as a formal Police Clearance Certificate.
Fingerprint criminal record screening is generally used to support employment, contractor and workforce vetting decisions.
A Police Clearance Certificate is an official certificate issued by the South African Police Service Criminal Record and Crime Scene Management division. It is commonly required for immigration, emigration, foreign employment or other formal international purposes.
SSC Legacy does not issue SAPS Police Clearance Certificates. Where a formal Police Clearance Certificate is required, the applicant must follow the applicable SAPS application process.
Answers to common questions about AFIS criminal record checks and digital fingerprint screening.
The candidate’s fingerprints are captured electronically and submitted through the applicable AFIS criminal record screening channel. The fingerprints are checked against the relevant SAPS criminal record database.
Fingerprints connect the criminal record enquiry to the person’s biometric identity. This is more reliable than relying only on a name, surname or identity number.
Yes. The candidate must complete the applicable consent and indemnity documentation before fingerprints and personal information can be submitted for criminal record screening.
Turnaround times vary according to system availability, fingerprint quality and the result returned. Where further SAPS verification is required, the final result may take longer. SSC Legacy will provide the available status but cannot guarantee a fixed turnaround time where third-party processing is involved.
The enquiry may be referred for further verification before a final result can be issued. This can occur where a possible record match or other information requires confirmation.
If the captured fingerprints are not of sufficient quality, the candidate may need to return for another fingerprint capture before the enquiry can be processed.
Yes. Fingerprint criminal record checks can be conducted for existing employees, contractors, temporary workers and outsourced personnel, subject to consent and the organisation’s screening requirements.
A mobile fingerprinting service can be arranged for suitable group bookings in Johannesburg and selected surrounding areas. Availability and travel requirements will depend on the location and number of candidates.
No. This is a fingerprint-based criminal record screening service used for employment and workforce vetting. A formal Police Clearance Certificate is issued by the South African Police Service and follows a separate application process.
Not necessarily. The employer should consider the nature and relevance of the available information in relation to the position and should follow a fair recruitment or employment process. Appropriate labour-law advice may be required.
Yes. The check can be combined with identity, qualification, employment history, licence, work permit, fraud, sanctions, integrity and other employee screening services.
Arrange an individual fingerprint appointment or discuss mobile fingerprint screening for a group of candidates, employees or contractors.