Vulnerable sector check in Canada: how to get one and what it shows

What a vulnerable sector check is

A vulnerable sector check is a police information check plus one extra search: whether you have a record suspension (pardon) for a sexual offence. Those suspended records are flagged in the RCMP database and can only be looked at for this purpose, under section 6.3 of the Criminal Records Act.

It is meant for paid or volunteer positions of trust or authority over children (anyone under 18) or vulnerable persons, such as people who depend on others because of age or disability.

Who can ask for one

• The organization that is hiring or taking volunteers decides whether the position needs one, and how often it must be renewed.
• The position, not the person, must involve trust or authority over children or vulnerable persons. Simply being around them is not enough.
• It is an offence to run a vulnerable sector check for a position that does not meet the law. Police will refuse if it does not qualify.
• You must consent in writing. An employer cannot get one without you.
• It cannot be done for an adoption; police use other checks for that.

How to apply

• Outside British Columbia: apply to the police service where you live (your city police, or the RCMP detachment if the RCMP polices your area). Many accept applications online.
• In British Columbia: the Criminal Records Review Program does the check, usually started by the employer or volunteer group.
• Bring two pieces of government ID and the details of the position: the organization, the job, and who the children or vulnerable persons are.
• For volunteer work, a letter from the organization saying the position is unpaid often makes the check free.
• The results go to the organization that asked for the check.

Why you may be asked for fingerprints

The first search uses your name, date of birth and sex. If they match a person with a flagged record, police ask for fingerprints to confirm you are not that person. This happens to many people with no record at all and does not mean anything is on file.

The check is tied to one position. If you apply for several positions that need one, you may need a new check, and sometimes new fingerprints, for each.

What the result can show

• Criminal convictions that have not been suspended.
• Outstanding charges, warrants and active court orders such as peace bonds or probation.
• Suspended sexual offence records, but only with the approval of the federal Minister of Public Safety.
• Absolute or conditional discharges still within their one or three year period.
• Some non-conviction information, depending on the province. Ontario’s Police Record Checks Reform Act sets strict limits on when it can be released. See charges withdrawn, stayed or dismissed to have old police records destroyed.

Fees and wait times

Each police service sets its own fee and most do volunteer checks for free or at a reduced fee. A check with no match is often done in one to three weeks; when fingerprints are needed it can take several weeks or months.