This blog was inspired by an Ontario resident who shared their story with us, and it really highlights how overwhelming the process of obtaining a criminal record check can be for some people.
She started her process visiting her local police departments website where there were three different types of checks. Confused she decided to take a trip down to the police station.
- The clerk kindly explained that for a vulnerable sector check she would have to provide fingerprints, and the background check would be sent by mail by the RCMP.
- She then said if she needed a regular criminal background check she could sit down on the computer and order one online (the same thing she would have done at home).
- Totally confused and not wanting to delay getting her results she purchased a vulnerable sector check and sat down on a computer and requested a regular one.
- Basically, choosing paying twice over having to go back. When she finally went home and contacted the organization requesting the check, it turned out that a basic background check was satisfactory (the initial online one)
In this instance she indicated that the website was clear in instructions, and she was also given clear instruction at the police station, yet she still felt totally overwhelmed.
Decoding how this got so complicated really boils down to her not knowing the type of criminal record check she needed, which is step 1 if it is directly related to a job opportunity at a particular company or a specialized profession where a criminal record check is standard.
Don’t assume, ask.
- Ask the organization what type of criminal record check they require.
- If related to a profession/industry regulator, ask what type of criminal record check they require and if there is a particular company you have to get it from.
This is usually the source of confusion for individuals starting their criminal record check journey. The three main types of criminal record checks in Canada are a CRC which is the most basic, then a CRJMC which is more in-depth and a vulnerable sector check which is the most in-depth.
Most private industries that don’t employ regulated professionals or professionals who work alone with people in vulnerable sectors usually opt for a CRC.
Regulated industries like security, real estate, nursing and many others will likely involve a more in-depth criminal record check. Retail jobs, warehouse jobs, jobs transporting materials/product, hospitality jobs etc., normally a basic criminal record check is sufficient.
The real main difference and why you want to confirm what you need is that a CRJMC can be obtained online at www.tritoncanada.ca while a vulnerable sector check has to be obtained at the police station. A vulnerable sector check can take 2-3 weeks to arrive by mail, so you don’t want to learn that this is what you need at the last minute.
We hope you have found this quick read helpful and if you would like more information about obtaining your criminal record check online, please visit www.tritoncanada.ca
