If you have ever applied for a job that requires trust, a visa to move abroad, or even a volunteer position working with children in the Netherlands or Belgium, you have likely been asked for your Politie Cazier (literally "Police Chest/Record").
From job applications to visa requests—understanding the ins and outs of your Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG/ uittreksel justitieel register).
But what exactly is this document? What information does it actually hold? And can you get a copy of your own?
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws regarding criminal records change frequently. Always consult a legal professional or the Justis (NL) or FOD Justitie (BE) for your specific situation.
Let’s open the file and take a look. In common language, Politie Cazier refers to your criminal record . However, the document most people actually need is called the Verklaring Omtrent het Gedrag (VOG) in the Netherlands, or an uittreksel uit het strafregister in Belgium.
