July 9, 2025 . 5 mins read

Getting a criminal record check in Halifax

A Halifax police criminal record check is required for many purposes, such as looking for a job, volunteering, immigration applications, or even procuring a license. There are different forms of checks designed for different purposes. This guide will explain in detail all types of background checks in Halifax, their application procedures and steps, and other aspects that one should consider for different applications.

Types of Halifax Police Criminal Record Checks

Halifax Regional Police offers several types of police criminal record checks, each serving a specific purpose. Selecting the correct type of check is essential to ensure that you meet the specific needs of the requesting organization or agency.

1. Basic Criminal Record Check (CRC)

The Basic Criminal Record Check (CRC) is a simple background check usually required for work or volunteer opportunities. This check limits itself to searching for only Canadian conviction records in the Canadian Police Information Center (CPIC) database.

2. Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC)

The Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) is intended for persons whose work involves authority over those who may be considered vulnerable, including, but not limited to, children, the aged, and disabled people who are specially abled. This check goes beyond the basic check and searches for records of pardoned crimes and relevant court orders concerning the at-risk population. In most instances, this check is mandatory for certain professions in education, health care, or any other field involving trust or power over the Canadian vulnerable sector. Vulnerable Sector Checks (VSC) request fingerprints for identification, extending the processing period. Vulnerable Sector Checks (VSC) can only be applied for in person at the Halifax Regional Police headquarters.

3. RCMP Certified Criminal Record Check

The RCMP Certified Criminal Record Check is the most exhaustive version of a background check. It is usually a requirement for immigration purposes, applications for citizenship, or in cases where the name and birthdate details are associated with a criminal record. This check requires an individual to submit fingerprints. Due to the thoroughness of the investigation, it may take longer for the check to be processed, varying from two weeks to months.

Ways to Apply for a Halifax Police Criminal Record Check

Residents of Halifax have two ways of seeking a police record check: they can either apply to the Halifax Regional Police or seek assistance from an external platform.

1. Via the Local Police Department

To apply, one can contact the Halifax Regional Police Services. Applying via a local police department usually involves paperwork and submission of documents such as two valid government-issued IDs. Applicants who require a Vulnerable Sector check or an RCMP-certified criminal record check may request fingerprinting services within the police department.

2. Via Third-Party Platforms

Since the third-party agencies also use the same database as the police stations, using a third-party platform to apply for police clearance in Halifax is also an option. Usually, these platforms collaborate with police departments to carry out the application procedure. However, an extra charge may be applied to the service. Should you decide to use via a third party, ensure that the service provider fully adheres to the applicable privacy laws in Canada and has measures to secure its processes concerning the processing of sensitive information. A few of these platforms also provide fingerprinting services in case they need to apply for an RCMP Certified Criminal Record Check.

Processing and Receive Results

The time taken to fulfill requests depends on the type of Halifax police criminal record check requested. Basic Criminal Record Checks (CRC) may last a few days, whereas RCMP checks can take up to 120 business days if there is a match on the system.

The best way to speed up processing is to get a third party to check your criminal record in Halifax. This can be done from your home faster. The third party accredited agencies use the same database as the police stations so the result accuracy will be the same and you will have to shell out a nominal fee to complete the check within a smaller span.

Things to Consider While Applying for a Halifax Police Criminal Record Check

When applying for a background check, ensure that these important things are taken care of:

Ensure Accuracy in Details: Make sure that every detail in your application is accurate. Any minor error, such as a typographical error in names or the date appearing wrongly, can cause delays in processing.
Understand Processing Timeframes: The nature of the check and the application mode tend to influence the time variations associated with processing. In most cases, simple checks are completed within a short time, but fingerprinting-based checks can take several weeks or months to complete. Therefore, it is important to apply early before submission deadlines are set.
Confidentiality: Usually, Criminal record check results are privately shared with the applicant. It is up to the applicant to share them with an employer or organization. For some reason, it would be wise to retain a copy indefinitely since several checks may apply to more than one application within a particular period.
Verify Third-Party Platforms: Should you decide to apply using a third-party service provider, ensure that the platform has a good reputation and adheres to Canada's privacy laws. Watch out for extra charges, and ensure the service provides comprehensive background checks that fit your needs.

Conclusion

By having a basic knowledge of the different types of Halifax police criminal record checks, selecting the most suitable application method, and following the steps, one can easily apply. Whether you apply directly to the Halifax Police Department or via a third party, prepare your documents, fulfill any fingerprinting obligation, and wait for the set period to process your application. You can also use Globeia’s services to smoothly apply for a background check online.

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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