Canadian Police Information Centre Check
Criminal Record Check in Canada
Getting a criminal record check is a process of checking a person’s criminal history. This process confirms whether or not an individual has ever been charged or convicted of a crime A criminal record check is a specific type of background check, and within criminal record checks, there are two methods of checking:
Name-based criminal record checks
This particular criminal record check is completed by checking against the RCMP’s Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) system using names and dates of birth.
Certified criminal record checks
When name-based certified criminal record checks do not confirm a person’s identity, a certified criminal records check is necessary. This record check involves fingerprinting so that a fingerprint search can be conducted by RCMP’s Canadian Criminal Real Time Identification Services (CCRTIS). If you need fingerprinting done for a certified criminal records check, the experts at Reliability Screening can help get the process started for you and answer any questions.
Overview of CPIC Checks
The Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) provides Canadian background checks that do not use fingerprinting as the search mechanism. Instead, CPIC criminal record checks are a type of name-based criminal record check that search for any individuals with convictions that match the applicant’s name and date of birth.
There are two types of CPIC police checks: standard and premium. Standard CPIC checks only search for convictions. Premium CPIC checks search for convictions, while also searching for pending and/or withdrawn charges, and additional non-conviction data.
The Canadian Police Information Center Database contains information associated with individuals who:
- Have a criminal record for any Criminal Code or Federal Statute offence
- Have been judged not criminally responsible for an offence because of mental disorder
- Have Federal and/or Provincial charges pending
- Are currently on probation of subject to a Prohibition Order
Who Needs a CPIC Check?
The Canadian CPIC check is intended for individuals who are involved as a volunteer, employee, or involved in situations where a basic Criminal Record Check is requested. It is important to note that CPIC checks are not intended for individuals who are seeking volunteer and/or employment with vulnerable systems.
Name-based CPIC checks are faster to perform than fingerprint-based criminal record checks. Name-based CPIC police checks, however, are less thorough. Legal name changes, spelling differences, use of nicknames and some people having the same name can lead to difficulties ensuring the most accurate CPIC checks.
If you are not currently residing in Canada, no problem! Reliability Screening can help process your CPIC check online with industry-leading turnaround times and customer service. No matter where you are on the planet, our trusted experts will help guide you through the process and ensure you get your results as quickly as possible.
If you need a CPIC criminal record check, or are unsure which type of check you need, contact Reliability Screening today!
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International CPIC Checks
If you are currently in need of a CPIC check, but are working or living outside of Canada, you may be interested in our international CPIC check. Our online international CPIC service allows prospective immigrants, foreign workers, and others to get the background checks they need to expedite their entrance into the country!
The process is simple: our CPIC experts will send you a checklist with all the necessary documents we need from you. We get to work on your CPIC check immediately after you send an email to us containing all the required documents. The best part: an international CPIC check online with Reliability Screening typically only takes one business day! We’ll send you back your CPIC check results and you can continue with your application process.
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Frequently Asked Questions
While it’s true that in many cases a CPIC check is all you need, it’s best to make sure before ordering this check. One key difference is that the CPIC check uses CCRTIS and the National Repository of Criminal Records to see whether anything comes up under your name and date of birth – but does NOT use fingerprints.
If you require a background check that uses fingerprints, it’s the RCMP Certified check that you want. We’re happy to discuss your circumstances with you to determine which check is right for you.
Because it doesn’t use fingerprints, the CPIC check is the fastest criminal background check in Canada. This process uses your name and date of birth to see whether there are any criminal records or charges pending.
It is acceptable for many circumstances, especially for employment screening – and that fast response can make a big difference in getting hired.
The premium CPIC check is a more thorough background check. It includes charges before the courts, warrants and discharges.
Even if you are living abroad, you can still get your CPIC Check. The RCMP does not directly process criminal record checks for individuals residing abroad. Individuals looking to receive a CPIC check from outside Canada must contact an accredited company such as Reliability Screening to have their record check processed.
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