What Is The Difference Between PCRC And PVSC?

In Canada, background or police record checks are crucial for employment, licensing, visa applications, and volunteer work. Depending on the intensity of the check, these checks come in different forms. Also, their names may vary in different provinces. 

For instance, what one province calls a Police Criminal Record Check (PCRC) might be known as a Criminal Record Check (CRC) or a Criminal Police Information Check (CPIC) in another. Similarly, the Police Vulnerable Sector Check (PVSC) might be referred to as a Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) or Vulnerable Sector Verification (VSV), depending on the jurisdiction. 

This variation in terminology can be confusing for individuals and employers, especially when dealing with inter-provincial matters. It's always advisable to check with local authorities or the requesting organization to ensure you obtain the correct type of check for your specific needs.

The fundamental purposes and processes of all checks remain similar across Canada despite differences in terminology. This blog will explain the major differences between two common types of checks, the Police Criminal Record Check (PCRC) and the Police Vulnerable Sector Check (PVSC), using these terms as our standard reference points.

 

The PCRC is the most basic record check, and in some provinces, it is also known as a criminal record check or CPIC check.

 

Key Features of PCRC

The Police Criminal Record Check provides information on a person's criminal convictions. It is based on a name and date of birth search and includes details from the national repository of criminal records and local police databases. The PCRC does not include information on outstanding warrants, conditional discharges, or non-conviction records. This check is often sufficient for general employment purposes and provides a basic level of assurance for many job positions.

Who Needs It?

The nature of your job and the level of your responsibility in that job decide which check you require. Positions not involving direct, unsupervised contact with vulnerable populations can undergo a criminal reference check. This  criminal reference check provides a general summary of an individual's criminal history, which is sufficient for many roles in various industries.

Here are a few examples of positions that may require a PCRC include:

• Bank teller
• Factory worker
• Food vendor
• Superintendent
• Office Manager
• Security guard

What Do You Require to Get a PCRC?

If you need a PCRC, you must meet specific requirements. These include:

• Government-issued photo ID: Applicants must provide a valid, government-issued identification document with a photograph.
• Address history: A record of the applicant's past addresses is required to ensure a thorough search of local police records.

How to Get It

Police Criminal Record Check can be obtained through various channels so anyone can easily access it. The options for obtaining a PCRC include:

• Local police stations: Many police departments offer in-person applications for criminal record checks.
• Online applications: Some jurisdictions provide online portals for submitting PCRC applications.
• Trusted third-party platforms: Private companies authorized to conduct criminal record checks may offer services for obtaining a PCRC.

This accessibility makes it easier for individuals to get a criminal record for employment purposes quickly and efficiently.

 

The Police Vulnerable Sector Check is the most comprehensive criminal record check; in some provinces, it is also called VSC or Vulnerable Sector Check.

Key Features

The Police Vulnerable Sector Check offers Canada's most extensive background screening. It includes all the information provided in a PCRC, plus additional checks specific to working with vulnerable populations. The PVSC is used to reveal pardoned sexual offences and, in some cases, relevant non-conviction mental health information. This thorough check is designed to provide higher scrutiny for positions of trust or authority over vulnerable individuals.

 

Who Needs It?

Individuals seeking positions that involve working directly with vulnerable sectors of society need to obtain a Police Vulnerable Sector Check (PVSC). Children, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities are considered vulnerable populations. Employers and organizations request this check to ensure the safety and well-being of those under their care.

Here are some positions that may need to obtain a  Vulnerable Sector Check.

• School teacher or teaching assistant
• Social worker
• Daycare worker
• Minor sporting coach
  Child or youth worker
   

Requirements for Getting a PVSC

The requirements for obtaining a PVSC are more stringent than those for a PCRC. Applicants must provide:

• Government-issued photo ID: A valid, government-issued identification document with a photograph is required.
• Address history: A comprehensive record of past addresses is necessary for a thorough background check.
• Fingerprints: In some cases, applicants may need to submit fingerprints for a more detailed search.
   

How to Get It

The process for obtaining a PVSC is more controlled due to its comprehensive nature. The following steps are typically involved:

While a criminal record search can be conducted online or through an agency, the vulnerable sector check must be conducted by the police service in the applicant's jurisdiction of residence. Applicants must be residents of the police station's jurisdiction where they apply. For example, if you apply for a police record check in provinces like  Saskatchewan, Manitoba, or New Brunswick, then you must visit local police stations in that jurisdiction only to get a police vulnerable sector check.

Here is detailed table to help you understand the different positions that require these checks.

 

Position / Occupation	PVS	PCRC
Attendant in children’s petting zoo	✔
Bank Teller		✔
Counselor/Psychologist/Social Worker	✔
Doctor/Dentist/Nurse/Daycare worker	✔
Driving Instructor	✔
Factory Worker/Food Vendor		✔
Foster Parents/ Resident in Foster Home/ Host Family	✔
Immigration / Permanent Resident		✔
Labourer/Trades/Landlord/Superintendent		✔
Office Manager/ Administration Staff		✔
Massage Therapist/Chiropractor/ Minor Sporting Coach	✔
Police Officer	✔
Retirement Home worker/ Residential aid/ Caregiver	✔
School bus driver/ School Crossing Guard	✔
School Teacher/Teaching Assistant/Tutor/Scout Leader	✔
Security Guard		✔
Students (for school placements)	✔
Support Worker	✔
Taxi Drivers	✔
Tenants for rental property		✔
Volunteers	✔
Working Visa		✔
Youth Worker	✔