Criminal Record Checks

MIE retrieves the Criminal Record Status of individuals from the South African Police Services only. This means that records will only be retrieved for criminal offences committed in South Africa.

AFIS Checks

[Click here to read more about the AFIS implementation process]

With effect from 1 July 2011, Name Clearance Checks will NO LONGER BE AVAILABLE, and all requests for Criminal Records MUST be accompanied by a full set of the candidates’ fingerprints.

These fingerprints may be in electronic format. This format for fingerprints has been determined, and can only be forwarded to the SAPS via specific biometric devices and predetermined transfer mechanisms.

Electronic fingerprints must be captured on specific devices (manufactured by Sagem) by authorized and trained operators, who themselves “connect” using their own fingerprints.

MIE has developed specialized Internet based software that can do it all. It’s easy to use and works like this:

• Identify the user group that must receive training and be authorized. MIE will provide both training and authorization.
• Download MIE’s specialized SmartScreen™ Background Screening software from http://www.smartscreen.co.za.
• Get your approved fingerprint reader(s) from MIE. Fingerprint readers will, for security reasons, be associated with your organization’s user group.
• Plug the reader into your PC via the USB port, and install it with software drivers also provided by MIE.
• Logon, and start capturing Background Screening requests.
• If the request requires fingerprints (the request includes a Criminal check, for example), simply get them from the candidate, right there, at your desk.
• Submit the request, and wait for feedback!

Name Clearance Checks

Up to 1 July 2011, criminal record checks may still be initiated with just the Names, Surnames, Dates-of-birth and South African ID number of applicants. These checks are conducted via the SAPS "Name Clearance" system, and result in a "Negative" or "Possible Match" reply.

"Negative" results imply that the applicant has no records of illicit activity. "Possible Match" results indicate exactly that. They do not automatically imply that illicit activity records exist, and a full set of paper-based fingerprint impressions are required to conclusively test the criminal record of the applicant.