Police Information Checks (formerly called Criminal Record Checks) can be obtained for the purpose of volunteer work, employment, practicum, or school within Canada.

Locations

Fees

  • Paid employment: $73 (plus $25 if Vulnerable Sector Check required)
  • Volunteer work: Free with official letter from volunteer agency

Acceptable Identification

Individuals must present TWO (2) pieces of identification with the same name on both from the following list. NOTE: The BC Services card is only considered ONE piece of ID.

  • Valid Driver’s Licence with photo
  • Valid BC Identification Card with photo
  • Valid Passport
  • Valid Nexus Card
  • Native Status Card
  • Canadian Citizenship Card
  • Permanent Resident Card
  • Military Identification
  • Birth Certificate
  • Firearms Licence
  • Provincial Health Care Card

Volunteer Work

There is no fee for a Police Information Check if you are volunteering with a not-for-profit organization. In order to have the fee waived you must provide a letter on agency letterhead from the organization. The letter must contain the following information:

  • Applicant’s name
  • Whether the applicant will be involved with or responsible for children or vulnerable people
  • Confirmation that the applicant is volunteering
  • Name and title of the person requiring the Criminal Record Check
  • Full address and phone number of the organization

Certified Criminal Record Check

If you wish to obtain a Certified Criminal Record Check you must submit a set of fingerprints. A Certified Criminal Record Check may be required for some employment opportunities, immigration purposes, records suspension or foreign work or travel.

Vulnerable Sector Check

If you will be working or volunteering with vulnerable members of society such as children, the elderly, or persons with disabilities, you may need to complete a Vulnerable Sector Check. This check is done in conjunction with your Police Information Check.

Your prospective employer or volunteer organization should tell you if you require a Vulnerable Sector Check. Examples of positions that may require a Vulnerable Sector Check include teachers, social workers, daycare workers, nurses, and children’s sports coaches.

The police will use the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) system as well as their own database to conduct a background search based on your name, gender, and date of birth. If your gender and date of birth match to a pardoned sex offender record, you will be asked to provide fingerprints to confirm your identity. Be assured that:

  • This is not an accusation of criminality; prints are used to confirm your identity only;
  • Your fingerprints will be destroyed after 90 days.