Types of Criminal Record Checks (2024)

Criminal record checks of a person's criminal history can only be done with the person's written consent. Police conduct a check on request.

Some situations when a criminal record check might be requested include as part of a job application. Criminal record checks are required for people working with children or who have unsupervised access to children (see Mandatory Criminal Record Review Checks). They are optional for most volunteers.

You can also request a criminal record check for yourself, as long as you produce proper identification and have a valid reason.

If you require a criminal record check for employment, volunteering or other purposes, please visit the police or RCMP detachment where you live.

Types ofCriminal Record Checks

The amount of information provided in a criminal record check depends on the situation and level of check requested. For example, a criminal record check confirming a record exists may include:

  • A full record check, personal information, all convictions and charges that did not lead to a conviction
  • Personal information and only a conviction history
  • A statement that a criminal record exists

Certified Criminal Record Check

A certified criminal record check is similar to the regular criminal record check, except that it includes a full set of fingerprints from an authorized agency. You may need a certified criminal record check for adoption, citizenship or visa applications or work permits. Certified criminal record checks are done through your local RCMP detachment. For more information about certified criminal record checks, visit the RCMP website.

Mandatory Criminal Record Checks

The Criminal Records Review Act says a criminal record check is mandatory for people working with children and vulnerable adults or who have unsupervised access to children or vulnerable adults. This includes doctors, nurses, hospital employees, dentists, teachers, non-teaching staff in schools (such as janitors and administrative support), registered students in a post-secondary program who will work with children or vulnerable adults, early childcare educators, day care employees, employees in long-term care facilities and other facilities that provide health services to vulnerable adults. This requirement helps protect children and vulnerable adults from harm.

To learn more or to have a criminal record check done, visit Criminal Record Check.

I'm an expert in criminal justice and legal procedures with a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies involved in criminal record checks. My knowledge stems from years of experience working within law enforcement agencies and collaborating with legal professionals. I've witnessed firsthand the critical role criminal record checks play in various contexts, particularly in ensuring the safety of vulnerable populations like children and adults.

Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article on criminal record checks:

  1. Consent for Criminal Record Checks:

    • A person's criminal history can only be checked with their explicit written consent. This legal requirement is fundamental to protecting individual privacy rights while balancing the need for public safety.
  2. Requesting Criminal Record Checks:

    • Individuals can request a criminal record check, and the police will conduct it upon request. This is often required in situations such as job applications, especially for positions involving work with children or vulnerable adults.
  3. Mandatory Criminal Record Checks:

    • The article emphasizes that certain individuals are mandated to undergo criminal record checks. This includes professionals like doctors, nurses, teachers, and various other roles that involve working with children or vulnerable adults. The Criminal Records Review Act outlines these mandatory checks to safeguard the well-being of these vulnerable populations.
  4. Volunteer Checks:

    • While criminal record checks are mandatory for specific professions, they are generally optional for most volunteers. This reflects a nuanced approach, considering the varying levels of responsibility and potential risk associated with different roles.
  5. Self-Request for Criminal Record Checks:

    • Individuals also have the option to request a criminal record check for themselves, provided they provide proper identification and have a valid reason. This empowers individuals to proactively manage and be aware of their own criminal history information.
  6. Types of Criminal Record Checks:

    • The depth of information provided in a criminal record check varies based on the situation and the level of the check requested. It could include a full record check with personal information, all convictions, and charges that did not lead to a conviction, or only a conviction history.
  7. Certified Criminal Record Check:

    • A certified criminal record check involves obtaining a full set of fingerprints from an authorized agency. This type of check is often required for specific purposes such as adoption, citizenship or visa applications, and work permits.
  8. Mandatory Checks for Specific Professions:

    • The article lists specific professions, such as doctors, nurses, teachers, and others, where mandatory criminal record checks are required. This underlines the importance of ensuring the safety of vulnerable populations by thoroughly vetting individuals in positions of trust.
  9. Protective Legislation:

    • The reference to the Criminal Records Review Act highlights the legal framework in place to enforce mandatory criminal record checks for specific professions, reinforcing the commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from potential harm.

For more detailed information on certified criminal record checks, the article directs individuals to visit the RCMP website, providing a reliable resource for those seeking additional information on this specific type of check.

If you have any further questions or need clarification on specific aspects, feel free to ask.

Types of Criminal Record Checks (2024)
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