A Comprehensive Guide To Getting A Criminal Record Check in Winnipeg

Q: Can non-Winnipeg residents apply for a criminal record check through the Winnipeg Police Service?

No. Before moving to Winnipeg, non-residents should contact their local police service or RCMP detachment for criminal record checks.

Q: What identification is required for the application?

For a complete application, you must present two valid identity certificates, one of which should have a photo ID. A full list of identification certificates has been provided on this link.

Q: How long is the criminal record check valid?

The criminal record checks provided by the Winnipeg police services do not expire, but the validity and long-standing authenticity of these checks depend on the employer. In other words, the employer must determine whether an old check is still valid when applying for another job.

Q: Can I apply on behalf of someone else?

No, applications must be completed by the individual requiring the check.

Q: Does the Winnipeg police station offer a youth criminal record check?

Yes, they offer criminal record checks for people under 18 years of age, and the vulnerable sector check online is only available for people 18 years of age. The youth must book an appointment for a vulnerable sector check in person.

If you plan to move to Winnipeg for employment, volunteering, or immigration, a criminal record check is one of the first documents you will need. This mandatory document clearly shows the employee's background. Most organizations ask for this document to make an informed decision about whether to hire the candidate. This guide is all you need to take a criminal record check in Winnipeg.

Understanding the types of criminal record checks in Winnipeg

Depending on your purpose of moving to Winnipeg, you could be asked for one of the following criminal record checks in Winnipeg.

Police Criminal Record Check (PCRC): This check is undertaken when the position you are applying for does not include working directly with children or vulnerable adults. For this, the employers take your name and date of birth and run it through the CPIC data system to check if you have any previous criminal record.

Police Vulnerable Sector Check (PVSC): Your employer/ organization will request this check only when you directly work with children or vulnerable adults. Some examples of this type of work include school teachers, volunteers with kids or vulnerable adults, youth leaders, and camp counselors. A PVSC also includes the details given in a PCRC. Only the Winnipeg police can do a vulnerable sector check for you.

Certified criminal record check (CCRC): This type of check is necessary when a name-based check is inconclusive or for specific applications, such as immigration or certain employment sectors. This check involves submitting your fingerprints to the RCMP for checking through their records.

How To Apply for a Criminal Record Check in Winnipeg?

There are three ways to apply for a criminal record check in Winnipeg, depending on the type of check you need.

Online Application: If you wish to apply for a criminal record check in Winnipeg online, you can do so on their official portal at this link. Those who live outside Winnipeg need to apply at their local police stations.

In-person Applications: If the EIV fails or you must undergo a fingerprint-based check, you can book an appointment online and bring two valid pieces of identification, one of which must be government-issued and have a photo. You must give your fingerprints and fill out the form and other details at the station.

Accredited Third Party Agencies: For all types of checks apart from the VSC, you can also connect with an accredited third-party agency to get all your checks. These third-party agencies are discreet and fast in getting the results for you, and you need not wait in line to get your checks.

Which databases does the Winnipeg police service check for getting your record out?

The Winnipeg Police Service uses three search mechanisms:

R.M.S. - Local records of the Applicant's involvement with Winnipeg Police Service (Police Records Management System)
C.P.I.C. - The Canadian Police Information Centre system and R.C.M.P. National repository in Ottawa.
P.I.P. - Police Information Portal

This police information check only provides information found on the above-listed systems at the time of the check. The Winnipeg Police Service does not guarantee the completeness of the information, as we are limited to the information available on these systems.

Results of the background check

The result of a criminal background check may have technical language that is hard to explain to ordinary people. If you do not understand the result, you have to go through our comprehensive guide to understand it better. You may sometimes receive an “attend” letter from the Winnipeg police services. This letter requires you to meet the customer service unit at the station. This could be for one of the following reasons.

Submission of fingerprints to confirm or eliminate a criminal record associated with an applicant’s information
Failure to submit a self-declaration form if you have existing criminal conviction(s)
Submission of fingerprints for the Vulnerable Sector search to confirm or eliminate a pardon associated with the applicants’ information.
A vulnerable sector check is conducted as part of a police record check. It is a record search of suspended (formerly a pardon) sexual offences. The vulnerable sector check is a national RCMP policy that requires applicants who have a combination of name and/or gender and/or date of birth as a pardoned/suspended sex offender to undergo fingerprinting to verify their identity. The vast majority of those fingerprinted will not have a pardoned/suspended sexual offence. Still, fingerprinting remains necessary as it eliminates the possibility of an offender changing their name to circumvent a criminal record. This is not an accusation of criminal activity or guilt. Fingerprints are used to confirm your identity only.

FAQs

Can non-Winnipeg residents apply for a criminal record check through the Winnipeg Police Service?

What identification is required for the application?

How long is the criminal record check valid?

Can I apply on behalf of someone else?

Does the Winnipeg police station offer a youth criminal record check?

Written by :

We are a background screening and document verification agency in Toronto. While we cover the Greater Toronto Area for in-person appointments, the bulk of our clientele uses our online services from different countries of the world. Globeia makes it simple and cost-effective for companies and individuals to navigate governmental red tape without breaking the bank.

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