Obtain a criminal record check (Police Information Check)

You may need a criminal record check for various purposes, including: employment, adoption, international travel, volunteer work, citizenship, name change, student placement or to obtain a record suspension (formerly pardon). 

Find out the difference between a criminal record check, a Police Information Check (PIC), and a vulnerable sector check.

Canadian criminal record check

The Canadian Criminal Real Time Identification Services (or CCRTIS), part of the Forensic Science and Identification Services in Ottawa provides a product called a certified criminal record check – also known as a fingerprint-based criminal record check. 

It is available to individuals across the country and you do not have to go through an RCMP detachment to obtain one. Visit your local police service to take your fingerprints and to process your application for a certified criminal record check or a vulnerable sector check. Some police services may direct you to an accredited fingerprint company. This check is different from a Police Information Check (PIC).

Although CCRTIS provides its own type of criminal record check, CCRTIS may also be involved in the processing of a PIC, where there is a need to check for pardoned sex offences as part of a vulnerable sector check.

B.C. Police Information Check (PIC)

The RCMP in BC, like all police agencies in the Province, provides one form of criminal record check. It is called a Police Information Check (PIC).

There are two types of Police Information Checks:

1. PIC - for employment or volunteer services that do not involve children or vulnerable adults
   • It will be limited to criminal convictions, outstanding criminal charges and warrants and other judicial orders.
   • It can be used for employment outside of Canada.
   • You can apply for a PIC when you are outside of Canada by verifying your identity with a local police force or the nearest consulate.
      
2. PIC-VS - for employment or volunteer services that do involve children or vulnerable adults
   • It will include:
     • criminal convictions, outstanding criminal charges and warrants, and other judicial orders.
     • non-convictions and files in which you were a bona fide suspect in a founded substantiated offence.
   • It will not include unsubstantiated allegations.
   • Can only be done for organizations in Canada. The position itself can be outside of Canada, but the results of the vulnerable sector check must stay within Canada.
   • You cannot apply for a PIC-VS when you are outside of Canada.

Note: If you require fingerprinting services for immigration purposes please bring a letter or form from the Immigration Department setting out what the requirements are, along with identification.