How to Get a Police Record in Jamaica for Employment: Fees, Steps and Timelines

Last verified: 23 July 2026. Based on the Ministry of National Security’s published guidance. Fees, services and collection points change — confirm with the Criminal Records Office on 876-922-3221 ext. 52157 or tsd@jcf.gov.jm before paying.

Many Jamaican employers require a Police Record — sometimes called a Police Certificate or Criminal Clearance Certificate — particularly in security, finance, education, childcare, healthcare and any role involving cash or vulnerable people. It is also required for real estate licensing, work permits and various immigration purposes.

The process runs through the Criminal Records Office of the Jamaica Constabulary Force. Here is how it works.

Fees and processing times

Note the Premium next-day service is currently suspended. Plan around Express at best, and remember these are working days — 21 working days is around a calendar month.

Appointments for Express service are scheduled for the earliest available date.

The five steps

Step 1: Pay at a Tax Office

Visit any Tax Administration Jamaica office with your TRN and pay for the service level you want. Keep the receipt — you need it twice.

Step 2: Complete the online application

Go to the Jamaica Constabulary Force website at jcf.gov.jm and click “Police Record” at the top of the page. You will need to upload:

• A passport-sized photograph
• Your TAJ receipt
• Valid government identification

Important: passport photos submitted should not be certified or embossed. This is the opposite of what most other Jamaican applications require, and it trips people up constantly.

Step 3: Book your appointment

Scroll to the calendar at the bottom of the application page and select a date. You will receive an email containing your completed application — download and print it and take it with you.

Step 4: Attend the Criminal Records Office

The Police Records Office is at 56 Duke Street, Downtown Kingston. Bring:

• Valid government-issued ID — driver’s licence, elector ID or passport
• A hard copy of the completed application form
• One passport-sized photograph (the same one you uploaded)
• Your TAJ receipt

Fingerprinting and a brief interview take place at this appointment. You will be told when to collect the certificate.

Step 5: Collect

Completed records are collected at the Police Officers Club, 34 Hope Road, Kingston 6, between 9:00am and 2:00pm, Monday to Friday. Note this is a different address from where you applied.

Applying in St Mary, St James or Clarendon

Online appointment booking is not currently offered at these sub-sites. Apply manually instead:

1. Pay at your nearest Tax Office.
2. Send a photograph of the receipt via WhatsApp to your parish office:
   • Clarendon — 876-224-1014
   • St Mary — 876-833-5904
   • St James — 876-224-1012
3. You will receive an appointment date by WhatsApp.
4. Attend with your ID, one passport-sized photograph and your TAJ receipt, and complete the form there.

Applying from overseas

Jamaican nationals and foreign nationals who have lived in Jamaica can apply from abroad, usually through a Jamaican High Commission or Consulate, though the application is processed in Jamaica.

You will generally need a cover letter addressed to the Senior Superintendent of Police stating why you need the certificate, the completed application, passport photographs, a certified copy of your passport bio-data page, and a full set of fingerprints taken by the relevant police authority in your country of residence — stamped and signed by an authorised official.

Payment from overseas is typically by international money order or bank draft payable to the Commissioner of Police. Processing times run from the date the application is received by the Technical Services Division and do not include postal transit.

A passport is the only valid identification for a Police Record intended for overseas purposes.

Requirements vary between missions, so check with the specific High Commission or Consulate handling your application.

Practical advice

• Start early. If a job offer depends on it, three working weeks on regular service can jeopardise a start date. Pay for Express if timing is tight.
• Do not certify the photograph. Worth repeating, since it contradicts most other applications.
• Keep the receipt safe — you need it for both the online upload and the appointment.
• Check whether your employer wants the original or will accept a copy. Getting a replacement means starting over.
• Expungement and transmission fingerprinting are walk-in services and do not require an appointment.
• You pay the government, not a middleman. If a “recruiter” offers to obtain your police record for a fee, that is a warning sign. You pay TAJ directly and keep the certificate whatever happens with the job.

Contact

Criminal Records Office, Technical Services Division. Telephone 876-922-3221 ext. 52157, or email tsd@jcf.gov.jm.

This article is general information. Fees, processing times, service availability and collection arrangements are set by the Jamaica Constabulary Force and change from time to time — verify before paying.