Things to Do for a Police Record Check in Victoria

In the city of Victoria, getting a police record check is significant concerning the employment opportunities, holding certain voluntary positions, immigration matters, retail, adoption, etc. A police record check determines if there are any existing criminal records or pending cases against an individual. In this article, we will explain the kinds of Canadian criminal background checks appliable for this city and the steps involved while applying for such checks.

Before you proceed to the application process, it is crucial to know the category of police record check you are applying for. These are the three different types of Canadian background checks applicable to the city of Victoria in the province of British Columbia.

1. Police Information Check (PIC): 
   This type of Canadian criminal background check is often used for employment, volunteering, or other relevant purposes. It helps to disclose any relevant criminal records, pending charges, and court orders by investigating agencies such as the Canadian Police Information Center (CPIC). Usually, there is no need for fingerprints to be taken unless your details correspond with the entry in the database. Globeia provides a speedy service to apply online for this check which does not involve any paperwork. You can apply from Globeia in easy steps from anywhere in the city.
2. Police Information Check with Vulnerable Sector Check (PIC-VS): 
   A Police Information Check with Vulnerable Sector Check (PIC-VS) is a type of police record check that includes a specialized search of the criminal history of individuals planning to work or volunteer in positions of trust with vulnerable people such as children, the elderly, and the disabled. This check has a more extensive scope than a standard check, as this would require a multi-database search to check not only for criminal records but also for any other relevant charges.
   The PIC-VS will also specifically deal with the search of records of sexual offenses that are suspended (previously called a pardon), thus making the risk of missing even the previously committed sexual offenses very unlikely. To apply for this background check, one will have to reach out to the Victoria police service office.
3. RCMP Certified Criminal Record Check: 
   In case there is a match to your name and date of birth with a relevant criminal record, or in case a more comprehensive inquiry is needed (for immigration or adoption processes), you may be required to apply for an RCMP fingerprint-based check. This is the most exhaustive type of background check, which utilizes fingerprints for precision while conducting the criminal history search through relevant databases. Globeia offers online services to apply for this background check.
    

You will have to follow these steps if you are required to apply for a Canadian background check in Victoria, British Columbia.

1. Determining the Type of Canadian Police Check Needed
   Before commencing the application process, it is necessary to establish the specific type of police check required. This can be ascertained from your employer, relevant organization, or a volunteering agency. In the case of the majority of jobs and volunteer positions, Police Information Check (PIC) is appropriate. If your role involves dealing with a Canadian vulnerable population such as children, elderly, and disabled citizens, with certain levels of trust or authority, you may need a Police Information Check with the Vulnerable Sector (PIC-VS). An RCMP Certified Criminal Record Check may be required if applying for immigration, adoption, or in other relevant situations.
2. Preparing the Necessary Documents
   While applying for a Victoria police record check, you may be required to submit one or even two identity documents and a passport-sized photograph if applying in person. In this case, the ID should be up to date. Acceptable examples of identification include a driver’s license, a passport, a permanent resident card, a Nexus card, a firearms permission card, a validated refugee claim protection certificate, an aviation document, etc. Make sure to update your identification documents before filling out the application in case they have already expired. If you apply online, usually you will be required to only provide scanned versions of one or two IDs.
3.  Apply Online or In-Person
   There are two main ways how one can apply for a Victoria criminal record check - via the Internet or personally. You can apply for a Police Information Check (PIC) or RCMP fingerprint-based check online with Globeia. For PIC-VS, applications can only be filed in person by reaching out to the Victoria police department. 
4. Pay the Fee
   When requesting a police record check, a processing fee is charged and it usually varies with the type of check being requested. For online applications, payment can be made via secure internet payment portals while application forms submitted to the office physically require payment upon submission.
5. Submit Your Fingerprints (If Required)
   There are cases, particularly concerning RCMP Certified Criminal Record Checks, or if there is a name match within the database, where one will be required to submit fingerprints. Fingerprints must be taken from an RCMP-accredited agency.
6. Wait for Results
   The processing time of the Victoria police record checks varies depending upon the type of the check. A standard Police Information Check (PIC) usually takes from 30 minutes to a few days unlike a PIC-VS or an RCMP fingerprint check which can take up several weeks or even months. If you apply via the Internet, an update will be sent to you when your results are out. When applying in person, you may need to go back to the Victoria police department to get your results.
    

It is quite easy to apply for a police record check in Victoria. All you need to do is follow the right procedure. Be it for employment, volunteering, or for any other purpose, having the right documents, and understanding the type of check required will facilitate the whole process. Globeia offers streamlined and advanced services to apply for a Police Information Check (PIC) or an RCMP Certified Criminal Record Check without any requirement of paperwork. Begin applying now by clicking here.