What is the difference between CRC and VSC?

Background checks play a crucial role in various occupations, from private employment to volunteer work. The Criminal Record Check (CRC) and Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) both serve important roles, but differ in several ways. Learning about the distinctions between these checks is vital for individuals who require to complete a police record check. This blog will clarify the differences and provide a better understanding for those who wish to select between the two checks and ensure a smoother experience for all parties involved.

 

A Criminal Record Check is a basic criminal record search conducted on the basis of an individual’s name and date of birth. In different provinces of Canada, it is also referred to as CPIC, PCRC, etc. Employers often request these, especially for roles involving sensitive data. The process involves reviewing the applicant’s information against the national repository of criminal records to uncover details of any criminal convictions.

The scope of a  Criminal Record Check (CRC)  is limited to existing convictions and ongoing legal matters. The search primarily highlights finalized court decisions and ongoing cases rather than providing an exhaustive account of all past encounters with law enforcement or the justice system. It is important to note that an individual can receive ‘Incomplete' results for the CRC check. In this case, the applicant is required to submit their fingerprints to the RCMP in order to obtain the police record check results.

 

You may require the CRC check if you are applying for positions like bank teller, factory worker, food vendor, superintendent, labourer, office manager, security guard, etc.

 

Requirements

For the Criminal Record Check, you will be required to submit a government-issued ID for photo identification and address history. This check is not appropriate for individuals looking for employment in roles of authority or trust with respect to vulnerable persons in Canada only.

Conducted By

CRC can be done by local police stations or third party platforms. Using a trusted third party platform such as Globeia can streamline the entire process of completing a Criminal Record Check online.

 

A Vulnerable Sector Check record check is a comprehensive background check that includes the information found in the Criminal Record Check (CRC) as well as information for any convictions for sexual offences including those with record suspensions. VSC is more detailed because it is required by individuals who are looking for employment in sectors dealing with the vulnerable populations. The check aims to safeguard vulnerable individuals like children, elderly, persons with disabilities, etc.

Who Needs to Get This Check?

Individuals who are seeking employment in positions such as daycare worker, teaching assistant, school bus driver, counselor, etc will require to complete a Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC)

Requirements

For Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC), an applicant is required to submit a government issued valid ID for photo and address history. This check may require submission of fingerprints as well for the issuance of results.

Conducted By

This check can be done by the local police station and the applicant must be a resident of that particular police station's jurisdiction. If fingerprints are required, the applicant will have to go to any RCMP accredited agency to submit fingerprints.

 

Police Record Checks are conducted across all the provinces in Canada as they are vital for various purposes such as employment, licensing, immigration, etc. While provinces in Canada use different terminologies for the police record checks, the terms Criminal Record Check (CRC) and Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) are more commonly used in Manitoba, New Brunswick, Ontario and Saskatchewan. These provinces have established systems for conducting CRCs and VSCs.