Police Clearance Common Issues People Face And How to Solve Them?

The Police clearance process in the Philippines has become easier with online applications, but many applicants still face common issues such as delays, incorrect information, missing requirements or system errors. These problems can be frustrating, but they usually have simple solutions.

Keep reading to learn about these common challenges and the ways to solve them.

Common Issues and Their Solutions

Here are some of the most common issues applicants face when obtaining a police clearance along with practical solutions to help you understand the process easily.

Delayed Processing Time

Causes

• High volume of applicants, especially during peak hours
• Technical issues in the online system
• Incomplete requirements causing delays in processing

Solution

• Apply early: Visit the police clearance center during non-peak hours, usually in the morning or mid-week, to avoid long lines.
• Ensure all requirements are complete: Before visiting the police station, double-check the required documents, such as a valid ID and proof of payment.
• Use an alternative branch: Some police clearance offices are busier than others. If possible, check nearby branches with fewer applicants.

HIT Status (Pending Background Check)

Causes

• Your name matches an individual with a criminal record in the police database.
• There is a pending case or investigation that requires further verification.

Solution

• Wait for further verification: A HIT status means additional background checks are needed. This can take a few days to weeks, depending on the case.
• Provide supporting documents: If the issue is due to a name match, be ready to present additional identification or proof of identity to clear your record faster.
• Follow up if necessary: If the verification takes too long, visit the police clearance office where you applied and inquire about your status.

System and Technical Errors

Causes

• Website downtime or maintenance
• Slow processing due to high traffic
• Payment not reflecting in the system

Solution

• Refresh or clear browser cache: If the online police clearance system is not working properly, try refreshing the page or clearing your browser’s cache.
• Wait and try again later: If the website is under maintenance or experiencing heavy traffic, it’s best to apply at a different time.
• Check for official announcements: Follow the PNP’s official website or social media pages for updates on system issues.
• Contact customer support: If your payment does not reflect or you encounter a persistent error, reach out to the support team for assistance.

Payment Issues

Causes

• Failed or unprocessed online transactions.
• Delays in payment confirmation.
• Payment made to the wrong reference number.

Solutions:

• Use a reliable payment method like GCash, PayMaya, or over-the-counter banking.
• Save your payment receipt and reference number for verification in case of issues.
• Contact customer support of the payment provider or the issuing police office if payment is not reflected.

Lost or Damaged Police Clearance

Causes

• Misplacement of the document.
• Damage due to water, fire, or other accidents.
• Theft or loss while traveling.

Solutions

• Check if the online record is still accessible and request a reprint if allowed.
• If reprinting is not possible, apply for a new clearance following the standard procedure.
• Keep a digital copy (photo or scanned document) as backup for future reference.

Tips for a Smooth Application

To avoid issues, consider these practical tips:

• Apply online whenever possible to save time and avoid long lines.
• Bring multiple valid IDs in case additional verification is needed.
• Double-check all details before submitting to prevent errors.
• Keep your payment receipt and reference number until the process is complete.
• Follow police station guidelines for dress code and other requirements.

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions