Police Character Certificate also known as Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) is usually gotten from the Nigerian Police Force (CID) department. In Rivers State, one can walk up to the State CID office in Moscow Road to apply for the Police Character Certificate. You can also go online to apply for the certificate.
To obtain a Police Character Certificate in Rivers State you must provide the following details:
- Bank Verification Number or National Identification Number
(Many people are always skeptical when they are asked for their BVN for the processing of the PCC. As an individual, you have every right to be afraid or skeptic about it because of the prevalent crime rate in Nigeria). But it is part of the requirements for the application of PCC.
- Data page of your International Passport.
- Passport-sized photographs.
- Current address.
- Purpose the PCC is required (for work, vacation, Education etc)
- Destination (if it to be used abroad, provide the country)
- Other personal details (D of B, address, email, phone numbers, State of origin, LGA, etc)
All the States have designated police stations specifically for processing police clearance certificates but more especially is the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
Read:Obtaining Police Clearance Certificate in Nigeria
Note that you can process this PCC yourself or you can engage a 3rd party to do it for you. If you are doing it personally all you need do is to locate a State CID and ask questions. They will direct you on how to go about it including your Biometrics.
If you are engaging a 3rd party, please be sure they are genuine, you will discuss the fee with the person and provide your details. If you are not available for the Biometrics which is essentially your finger prints, you don’t have to worry. Your finger prints from your BVN can be used for the application.
Once your certificate is ready, you will be notified to collect it. Go to the police station or department where you applied to collect your police clearance certificate (PCC). That is if you need a hard copy of the certificate otherwise, they usually send the certificate to the email address the applicant provided.
Police Clearance Certificate for Non-Resident and Foreigners
Every Nigerian resident abroad or foreigners who has lived in Nigeria for a particular period is entitled to obtain a Police Clearance Certificate. A physical presence is required at the Police Department to obtain the PCC. The only alternative is to have a Nigerian Bank Verification Number (BVN) or National Identification Number (NIN). However, the difficulty often arises when the applicant does not have any of the numbers. The appropriate step to take in this situation is to apply for the BVN or NIN. Or in the alternative the applicant can opt for manual registration which is still available.
The applicant may require a local representative to help with the application process if they encounter difficulty or delay in making the application.
In conclusion, you should note that the police character certificate (PCC) is valid for only three months after issuance. One may wonder why the short duration? Yes because 3months is enough time for one to commit crime.
Note also that the applicant who intends to use the document overseas must notarize the document after issuance. Some countries like United States of America (USA) may also require the PCC to be duly authenticated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and legalized at the relevant Embassy.
Read also: Notary Public in Nigeria
As the japa (Travel) syndrome is so high in Nigeria, PCC is one of the basic requirements for your travel. If you are abroad already and you want to change your job, PCC will be required of you. If you have gotten already, remember that the PCC is only valid for 3months. It is not a one-time thing as many people thinks. Once its expired you are expected to apply for a fresh PCC.
Read also: Affidavit and its uses in Nigeria?
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