A criminal background check (also known as police check, penal certificate, certified criminal record check, Canadian PCC, certificate of good conduct etc.) is a process used to determine if a person has been charged with or convicted of a crime. Here’s a more detailed information about the background checks in Canada:
Types of Criminal Background Checks
The most commonly used criminal background check for pre-employment screening, school programs, licensing, and volunteer work is the name and date of birth-based check.
Name and Date of Birth Based Criminal Record Check
Conducted by Police/Law Enforcement Partners: This type of criminal background check is carried out by police or law enforcement agencies, which search the National Repository of Criminal Records of the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC). The CPIC is maintained by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). Only the police or law enforcement partners have direct access to the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC).
The search may also include other local and national databases, as well as local police records through the Police Information Portal (PIP).
Limitations:
Identity Verification: Since this check is based only on the individual’s name and date of birth, it has limitations in verifying the identity of the applicant. Issues such as legal name changes, different spellings of first or last names, the use of short names, or intentional name changes to conceal identity can affect the accuracy of the check.
Local Screening: These checks are generally suitable for local screening purposes and may not be accepted by authorities in other countries.
Process for Conducting Name and Date of Birth-Based Check
In-Person Applications: Applicants can go directly to specific police offices to apply for their name and date of birth-based checks. They would need to provide two valid IDs (one of them must be a photo ID).
Online Services: Some police offices offer online services, making it convenient for applicants to submit their information and receive their results electronically.
Applying Through Fingerprinting Agencies or the Other Companies: To provide basic name and date of birth-based criminal record checks to clients, fingerprinting agencies or other companies must sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the police. This agreement allows these companies to facilitate the process by acting as intermediaries between the applicant and the police.
Submission Process:
Consent Forms and Identification: The applicant must submit signed consent forms along with the required identification documents to the company or agency.
Database Search: The company or agency then submits these documents to the police offices.
Results: The police search the CPIC and any other relevant databases, then return the results to the requesting company or agency.
Fingerprints-Based Certified Criminal Record Check
A fingerprint-based check in Canada involves the electronic transmission of an applicant’s fingerprints to the Canadian Criminal Real Time Identification Services (CCRTIS) of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
CCRTIS runs the transmitted fingerprints through the National Repository of Criminal Records. This repository contains fingerprints from various sources, including criminal records and other law enforcement databases.
The search aims to find a match or no match with the existing fingerprints in the database. If a match is found, the associated criminal record information is retrieved and reported.
Fingerprints are unique to each individual, making fingerprint-based checks highly accurate and reliable. They eliminate the risks associated with name changes or spelling variations.
This method provides a thorough screening, ensuring that the background check is exhaustive and precise.
Fingerprint-based police reports are widely accepted by international authorities, making them essential for immigration, employment abroad, and other official purposes.
Application Process for Applicants
- Visit an Accredited Agency: Applicants must visit an RCMP-accredited fingerprinting agency or a police office with the capability to collect and transmit fingerprints electronically.
- Provide Identification: Applicants need to provide valid identification documents as part of the process.
- Submit Fingerprints: The agency collects and electronically submits the fingerprints to CCRTIS.
- Receive Results: The results, indicating a match or no match, are returned to the requesting party, which can be the applicant, an employer, or another authorized entity.
Judicial Matters Check-Level 2 Screening
The Judicial Matters Check (Level 2 Screening) offers an enhanced level of criminal background screening by including not only the basic criminal record information from the CPIC but also additional judicial details such as discharges, warrants, outstanding charges, and judicial orders.
- Search in the CPIC: The check includes a search of the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC), which is a national repository of criminal records maintained by the RCMP.
Absolute and Conditional Discharges: Records of discharges where the individual was found guilty but not convicted.
Arrest Warrants: Information on any outstanding arrest warrants against the individual.
Outstanding Charges: Details of any current charges that are still pending in court.
Judicial Orders: Includes specific court orders such as peace bonds, prohibition orders, and other judicial restrictions.
Vulnerable Sector Check
A Vulnerable Sector Check is a specialized background check conducted by the local police to provide additional protection for individuals who are more vulnerable due to their disability, age, or other circumstances. This check includes a search for records of sexual offenses, in addition to a criminal record and judicial matters check.
This type of check is performed by the local police in the area where the applicant resides.
Local police have the authority to access additional databases and records such as sex offenders files.
The applicant may be required to provide fingerprints to confirm identity and ensure accurate results.
The results of the check are typically provided directly to the requesting organization or employer, ensuring confidentiality and security.
Private companies and agencies cannot offer Vulnerable Sector Check services. Only local police are authorized to conduct these checks due to the sensitive nature of the information and the need for direct access to certain records.
How to get a Criminal Record Check, while outside Canada?
It is possible for individuals to obtain both a basic name and date of birth-based check and a fingerprint-based check while residing outside Canada.
Obtaining a Basic Name and Date of Birth-Based Check or a Judicial Matters Check from outside Canada can be efficiently managed through services provided by Worldwide Forensic Services Inc.
Steps to Obtain the Check:
Visit the Website: Go to https://fingerscan.ca/ and use the contact form on the website to request an application package.
The agency will send you an application package that includes detailed instructions and forms required for the background check.
Fill out the application form with accurate personal information.
You need to provide copies of two notarized identification documents. Acceptable IDs typically include a passport, driver’s license, or national ID card.
Ensure that the copies of your IDs are clear and legible, and get them notarized by an authorized notary public.
Scan the completed application form and the notarized copies of your IDs.
Email these documents to Worldwide Forensic Services Inc. as instructed in the application package.
Worldwide Forensic Services Inc. collaborates with local police offices to expedite the process.
The check can be completed in as fast as two hours after submitting the application and identification documents.
Fingerprints Based Check From the RCMP Canada
Worldwide Forensic Services Inc.: An RCMP-accredited agency, Worldwide Forensic Services Inc. specializes in submitting electronic fingerprints to the Canadian Criminal Real Time Identification Services (CCRTIS) of the RCMP for criminal record checks. This agency stands out due to its forensic professionals with over 37 years of experience in fingerprint examination and collection.
Steps to Obtain a Fingerprint-Based Check
Go to www.fingerscan.ca.
Use the contact form on the website to request an application package.
You will receive a complete application package that includes guidelines, frequently asked questions, a fingerprint form, and other necessary documents.
Fill out the application form with your personal information.
Get your fingerprints taken at a local police station, an embassy, or a Notary Public.
Ensure the fingerprints are collected according to the guidelines provided in the application package.
Mail or courier your fingerprint form and the other documents (as per the check list) to Worldwide Forensic Services Inc., which will then submit them electronically to the RCMP.
The RCMP will process the fingerprints to check against the National Repository of Criminal Records. The results will be sent back to the applicant or the requesting organization.
Advantages of Using Worldwide Forensic Services Inc.
The agency is run by trained forensic professionals with over 37 years of experience, ensuring high-quality fingerprint collection and examination.
Accredited by the RCMP to submit electronic fingerprints to CCRTIS.
Assisted over 40,000 local and international clients.
Offers a streamlined and efficient process for obtaining basic name and date of birth based check or a fingerprint-based criminal record checks.