How to Get a Police Background Check in Calgary

Getting a police background check in Calgary is important for different purposes such as employment, volunteering, immigration, retail, etc. These checks help in understanding whether an individual has any relevant criminal history or not. In this blog, we will understand how to get a police record check in Calgary seamlessly.

 

There are different types of police checks applicable to the city of Calgary. Ensure that you are well informed about the type of Calgary background check you are going to apply for. To understand the requirement, you can even reach out to your employer or agency.

Standard Police Information Check (PIC)

A Police Information Check is an enhanced police background check in Calgary to assess a person’s criminal history. It goes beyond basic criminal records and also looks for other relevant information on Canadian convictions, non-convictions, warrants, charges, discharges, etc by running queries through official databases such as the Canadian Police Information Center (CPIC), Alberta Justice Online Information Network (JOIN), etc.

This check is often required by employment or volunteer agencies and can be applied either online by internet-based platforms or offline by local police services. Globeia offers a quick and streamlined online service for this check that lets you have your result in 30 minutes. Globeia’s online platform has simplified the application process into a three-step process and eliminated the paperwork requirements. 

Police Information Check with Vulnerable Sector (PIC-VS)

A Police Information Check with Vulnerable Sector (PIC-VS) is required for individuals whose positions hold trust or authority over Canadian vulnerable sectors such as elderly people, children, and specially-abled citizens. Positions requiring this check include teachers, nurses, healthcare aides, etc.

This check is very comprehensive and includes searching for details on relevant criminal records and sex offenses-related record suspensions through relevant databases. One can apply for this in person by reaching out to local Calgary police services. You will have to indulge in intricate paperwork and submit valid IDs while applying. The results of this check usually take weeks or even months to process. Fingerprints may or may not be required for this.

RCMP Certified Criminal Record Check

If your name and birthdate match a relevant record or if a more comprehensive screening is necessary for certain cases, an RCMP Certified Criminal Record Check can be required. This is a fingerprint-based check that is extremely comprehensive and detailed. It can take a few weeks to months to get your results back. Globeia offers efficient online service for this type of check.

To apply for a Calgary police record check, follow these steps.

1.  Understanding the Canadian Police Check Requirement

Determine what kind of Canadian criminal background check is relevant to your requirement. You can contact your organization and clarify the exact requirements before applying.

2. Keeping the Required Documents Ready

If you are applying for a Police Information Check or any other check, you may require valid IDs and a photograph of yourself. Ensure that your ID is not expired and is eligible for use for application. Eligible IDs include a driver’s license, passport, Permanent Residence Card, Nexus Card, firearms license, secure certificate of Indian Status Card, certified refugee protection claimant document, aviation document booklet, etc.

3. Applying In-Person or Online

For a PIC or RCMP Certified Criminal Record Check, you can either apply online through trusted platforms such as Globeia or in person by reaching out to local police service. Calgary police service usually provides services for the residents of the city of Calgary. Ensure that you fill out the correct details while applying to avoid delays.

4. Paying the Fee

The police background checks in Calgary require a processing and application fee. Ensure that you pay the fee timely. When you apply from Globeia, you have to enter your billing information and select a preferred payment method to pay.

5. Fingerprinting

If you need a fingerprint-based police background check, you will have to get your fingerprints taken. Ensure that you apply for fingerprints from a trusted RCMP-accredited agency. The fingerprint may or may not be required for other Calgary police checks such as PIC-VS or PIC.

6. Results

Processing time usually varies as per the type of Calgary police background check applied for. A standard Police Information Check (PIC) may take just 30 minutes to complete, whereas a Police Information Check with Vulnerable Sector (PIC-VS) or RCMP Certified Criminal Record Check may take a few weeks or even months. If you use Globeia’s services, you will get a notification right away when your results are ready.

 

Here are some important things to consider when you apply for a Canadian police records check.

Accuracy of Details Entered

Ensure that the details provided in the application are correct. Incorrect information including even spelling errors can cause delays or application rejection. While entering the details, make sure you understand the requirements and enter your personal information accordingly.

Timeline

Different Canadian criminal record checks have different processing times. A standard Police Information Check may just take 30 minutes whereas an RCMP Criminal Record Check can take weeks or even months. Ensure that you are aware of the timeline, especially if you require a background check for a job or immigration which usually have tight deadlines.

 

Privacy 

Canadian police background check information is usually kept confidential and the results are sent to the applicant only unless an applicant gives consent to share the results directly with a third party such as an employer or volunteer agency. Using a trusted platform such as Globeia ensures that your data is secure and protected completely from any kind of fraudulent activity.