Sex crime record checks to include tutors and coaches

Charlotte Lam

The police's Sexual Conviction Record Check Scheme has been expanded to include prospective self-employed persons, such as private tutors, sports coaches and those providing door-to-door services.

Launched in 2011, the scheme initially allowed employers, such as organizations and enterprises, to check prospective employees for criminal records related to specified sexual offenses.

The scheme has since been expanded, enabling employers to review potential employees' criminal conviction records for sexual offenses if they will be working with children or mentally challenged persons.

A government spokesman said that the validity period for applications submitted starting yesterday will be extended from 18 months to 36 months to reduce the need for reapplications.

"Prospective self-employed persons include, but are not limited to, private tutors, music teachers, sports coaches and persons providing door-to-door services," the spokesman said.

"The SCRC Scheme remains voluntary in nature. Employers may decide whether the SCRC is necessary after assessing the risks."

To streamline the process, the administration has introduced some enhancements to the SCRC system.

Applicants can now access a new online platform to submit forms, check application status and pay fees, instead of in-person visits to the SCRC Office at the Police Headquarters in Wan Chai.

Meanwhile, newly registered online applicants must complete fingerprint submissions. They can visit any of the six designated 24-hour police stations, including North Point, Yau Ma Tei, Ngau Tau Kok, Tuen Mun, Sha Tin and Tsuen Wan, as well as the SCRC Office.

"The multiple enhancement measures, including the launch of the online applications platform, introduction of a 24-hour fingerprint-taking service and extension of the validity period of applications, have greatly improved the system capacity and shortened the processing time for applications, bringing convenience to the public," the spokesman added.

The administration announced it will expand the scheme in phases following recommendations made by the Law Reform Commission in a 2022 report on "Sentencing and Related Matters in the Review of Sexual Offences."

The next phase is expected to roll out as early as next year and will include all volunteer workers. The government's ultimate goal is to cover all current employees and self-employed individuals.

"The government agrees with and will implement the relevant recommendations in phases, with a view to strengthening the protection of children and mentally incapacitated persons while ensuring that the SCRC system has sufficient capacity," the spokesman said.