Police Clearance Common Issues: HIT Status Explained
Police Clearance HIT Status: Don’t Panic, Here’s What It Means
Getting a HIT status on your police clearance application doesn’t mean you have a criminal record. HIT stands for ‘Hit In Track’ – it simply means your name matched someone in the national criminal database and requires identity verification. Understanding HIT status and how to resolve it quickly prevents application delays.
What Does HIT Status Mean?
HIT status indicates:
- Your name matched a record in the NBI criminal database
- Your name may match someone else with same/similar name
- Identity verification is needed to confirm you’re not that person
- It’s a NORMAL verification process, not a rejection
- Thousands of applicants get HIT status annually
Most importantly: HIT status does NOT mean you have a criminal record. It’s simply a verification step.
Why Do People Get HIT Status?
- Common Filipino names (Maria Santos, Juan Dela Cruz)
- Similar birthdate to person in criminal database
- Name phonetic similarity to criminal records
- Typographical errors in database matching
- Records from different time periods or locations
Resolution Timeline
Total resolution time: 5-10 business days
- Day 1-3: Contact police station and provide supporting documents
- Day 4-10: Verification process completes
- Day 11+: Clearance issued once verified
How to Resolve HIT Status
- Don’t panic – HIT is common and resolvable
- Contact the police station where you applied (have reference number ready)
- Prepare supporting documents: certified birth certificate, passport, previous clearances
- Bring original government-issued ID
- If name changed, bring marriage/divorce certificate
- Submit documents showing you’re not the criminal record holder
- Wait 5-10 business days for verification
- Clearance will be approved and issued once verified
Explore what causes clearance processing delays and how to verify your clearance authenticity.
Infographic Recommendation: HIT Status Resolution Flowchart (showing decision tree from HIT notification to clearance approval)