Four Types of Police Background Checks and How to Get Them

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Police background checks are often, if not always, a requirement to fulfill a government process. This says something: that it is indeed important.
 
Why do people have to exert effort and spend time and money to get this important step done?
 
As you may know, background checks are necessary for a lot of things. Some of the most common and major reasons are listed below:
 

• Police background checks are necessary when applying for a role in a company.
• These checks are needed when you need to work in a vulnerable sector.
• Background checks are also a requirement for Canadian immigration purposes (e.g. moving away from Canada).
• This is also needed should you want to join the defence.
• Tenants also require police background checks to guarantee that they are “safe” individuals.
• Checks like this are needed for adoption reasons.
• Getting a visa also asks you to provide a police background check.

 
Of these reasons, probably the most common is the requirement of employers to ensure that they are hiring someone with verified claims. This way, they can avoid potential risks in the future that can damage the organization as a whole.
 
Types of Police Background Checks

There are four types of police background checks. Each has its own function and purpose, but essentially, all of them just provide security and proof in one way or another. These types are the following:
 
Name-Based Criminal Record Check

As implied, this type of background check is probably one of the most difficult to deal with. The major basis of this check is the name and the date of birth. So what happens if one’s name is too common that when you run a check on someone with that name, complications arise?

The main problem regarding this type of check is that there will definitely be a weakness in verifying a person. It may be because of similar surnames, slight misspellings, legal name changes, and intentional alteration of names to avoid criminal record history, to name a few.

Name-based criminal record checks are done through RCMP’s Canadian Police Info Centre.
 
Certified Criminal Record Check

To make the background check more rigorous, certified criminal record checks are done. This is also requested especially if a name-based record check did not provide a blatant way to confirm an identity.

To do this, there will be a fingerprint search using the national repository of criminal records. This check type is usually completed through RCMP’s Canadian Criminal Real-Time Identification Service. It then determines if a person has been charged or convicted of a crime. If you are in Toronto and are in need of any of the first two check types, check out this page.
 
Police Information Check

This type of check is more than a basic Canadian criminal record check. This involves a tight search using three databases. The results will then be provided on a police service certificate letter.

Disclosures in this check type include country-wide criminal record history, vulnerable sector search (if needed), and police history. Police information checks are also called police certificates, record checks, or reference checks.
 
Vulnerable Sector Check

Probably the most comprehensive background check, vulnerable sector checks are basically police certificates plus checks to see if there are record suspensions for sexual offences. Those who are asked to provide this type of check are usually those who will be working for jobs that involve children.

To get a vulnerable sector check, you’ll need to submit the title of your role, the name of the company or organization you’ll be working for, and important details about the children or vulnerable individuals. If your role is voluntary, you will also have to submit a letter from the organization that states you won’t be paid for your service.
 
Getting Police Background Checks

The requirements for the first three types are pretty straightforward. You can either apply online or through your local police station. Take note that you provide two IDs: one with a photo and a signature, and another with your full name and date of birth. Should you need more information, you may visit this helpful page.
 
Obtain Background Checks without Hassle

If you want to get these requirements without any hassle or any complications, you can always rely on Globeia. With the help of our skillful and knowledgeable team, we can provide you with a same-day background check. We proudly offer full background checks as well.
 
Feel free to give us a call, send us an email, or visit us via an appointment. We would love to hear from you!

Address: 1185 Victoria Park Avenue, Scarborough, Ontario M4B 2K5
Phone: 416-288-8070
Email: info@globeia.ca
 

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Disclaimer:

Take note that this article only intends to inform and educate readers, so as to help them with similar problems they might have. Any text or information from this publication should not, in any way, be taken as legal advice. We also disclaim any responsibility for the damages that may occur out of the details laid out here. It’s always ideal to consult with experienced legal counsel to learn more about a certain subject and the processes involved. In addition, we do not take any responsibility to update content that was posted in the past.