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RCMP

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1. What is a Record Check?

Simply put - A Record Check is a search of police databases for a person’s criminal history.

Depending on what level of Record Check a person requires will depend on the number and types of databases we search. A CRC for example is only a search of one database that tells us if there is a possible match to a criminal record or not. Whereas a VSC is a search of multiple databases that tells us if there is a possible criminal record match, as well as any adverse (other)  information that an employer or organization should be aware of for the vulnerable sector.

Fingerprint searches use a person’s fingerprints to physically match them to a criminal record if one exists. It is the only way to absolutely confirm that someone has a criminal record.

2. Do I need both a VSC and a CRC?

No - A VSC includes a CRC. The Result you receive from a VSC reflects the result of the CRC in addition to the results of the vulnerable sector search. You do not need to provide a CRC separately to an organization, your VSC Result is sufficient.

 

3. Why can’t I just get a VSC?

Because the information that may be released on a VSC, if there is any, may not be appropriate for your employer or organization to know for your position. We will decline a VSC application if your application does not meet the criteria to require one.

4. I’m under 18 years old, can I get a Record Check?

We cannot process a VSC for an underage person due to the restrictions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

We can process a CRC, however it can only be done for a government agency and the results must be forwarded directly to the requesting organization.

If your employer or organization is pressuring you to provide them with a Record Check and they are not a government agency, you may direct them to contact our office at 403-851-8000 for clarification on what can and cannot be done for youth workers.

5. How long does it take to process a Record Check?

CRC and VSC processing may take 2-3 weeks, depending on the level of Record Check and the information found while searching.

A Certified Criminal Record Check may take anywhere between 2 weeks to 6 months to process, depending on the volume of applications received and the information found while searching. These Record Checks are not processed in house at the Cochrane RCMP; they are processed in Ottawa through the RCMP Canadian Real Time Identification Services (CCRTIS).

If you need to contact CCRTIS for an update on your Certified Criminal Record Check Results, please email them directly at ccrtis-scictr@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

6. Why do I have to provide a letter?

We cannot process a VSC without a valid reason. Volunteering and Practicum’s are not permanent work situations where a person’s employment may be verifiable through an employer’s records. We require a letter in these situations stating that the person is registered to be temporarily working with an organization.

7. How long is my Record Check good for?

We can only guarantee the Record Check Results for the day that they are issued. We cannot guarantee the results will reflect a person’s actions or convictions in the future.

Good rule of thumb – if the organization asks you to provide a new result then you will have to apply for a new Record Check.

8. Why do some people have to pay for their checks and others don’t?

The RCMP does not dictate the fees for a VSC or a CRC, we only charge for Fingerprinting.

Currently, the Town of Cochrane charges its residents fees for their Record Checks and the surrounding Counties do not.

9. What information is released on a Record Check?

A CRC will show a “yes or no” for a possible match to a criminal record.

A VSC will show the same thing as well as including any other information found and is relevant to the applicant’s work position. Released information may include any convictions, outstanding warrants, charges, judicial orders and non-convictions. This check will also include a search for pardoned sexual offence convictions.

A Certified Criminal Record Check will show the applicant their official criminal record and will include a copy of their photo and fingerprints. If there is no record, the document will only show the applicant’s photo and fingerprints with a “Negative” result.

10. I have a record and receive a “Possible Match” result every time I apply. Is there a way to avoid having to pay for fingerprinting again?

Yes – In your application package is a Declaration of a Criminal Record form. Fill this form out with your criminal record information (be as detailed as you can). If the information you have provided us matches what we find on your record we can certify your declaration as a “true” Criminal Record for the purposes of your Record Check. You can provide this document with your Record Check Results to your employer or organization, thus avoiding having to apply for a Certified Criminal Record Check again.

 

11. I am a Canadian Citizen but I am not in Canada and I require a Record Check. What do I do?

Contact your nearest Canadian Embassy or Canadian Consulate General. We cannot perform Record Checks internationally.

If there is no Canadian Embassy or Consulate, you may contact Canadian Foreign Affairs by calling 1-800-267-8376 or through their web site at www.international.gc.ca.

12. Can I apply for a Record Check for someone else?

No, this is fraud and providing someone else a person’s results without written permission is against the Privacy Act.

13. Is a Record Check Result an affirmation of good character?

No, the Result will not reflect the applicant’s personality, dependability, or sincerity. The Result will only reflect criminal data that you may want to consider when hiring or accepting the person for the position they have applied for.

14. I received a Record Suspension (Pardon), will that show up on my Results?

No, when you receive a Pardon the conviction is purged from your record and will not appear on your Results.

Keep in mind, Pardons only remove convictions, the do not remove non-conviction information and that may still be released on your Results if you apply for a VSC.

15. Is a CRC the same thing as a Police Information Check?

Yes, the CRC is the same thing as a Police Information Check. It is also called a local indices check or a CPIC Check.

16. I don’t live in Cochrane, can I still get my Record Check done through the RCMP?

No – Record Checks are completed based on the police jurisdiction where a person lives. If you do not reside in our area then we cannot do a Record Check for you.

Google search your local police service for information on how to complete your application through their detachment

17. I live in Redwood Meadows and need a Record Check

The Cochrane RCMP no longer provides police service to Redwood Meadows due to a jurisdictional change that happened in November 2021.

Please contact the TsuuT'ina Nation Police Service to obtain your Record Check:

https://tsuutinapolice.com/contact/

18. What is a Child Intervention Check?

A Child Intervention Check is conducted through Child Services and assists a caseworker with determining the suitability of placing a child in a living situation. We do not provide Child Intervention Checks. To obtain a Child Intervention Check, please contact Child Services through the following link:

https://www.alberta.ca/childrens-services-offices.aspx