Originally published: September 20, 2017, Updated: June 12, 2024
Most people know their criminal records can hold them back. But what if it's happening without your knowledge? Checking your criminal record is vital for anyone who suspects they might have one.
If you've ever interacted with law enforcement, you should check your record, even if you weren’t charged. Why? Your record may keep you from landing jobs, starting a business, or accessing other opportunities. It can even stop you from something as simple as volunteering, which is often a step toward greater things.
Getting a record suspension can help, but knowing you have a record comes first. Suspensions aren't automatic — you have to initiate the process. Finding out what's in your file tells you whether you should take action.
Calgary has unique systems and procedures in place to help individuals access their criminal records. There's a good reason for this: it's the law. More specifically, it’s a requirement of The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, RSA 2000, Chapter F-25. This rule, also known as the FOIP Act, guarantees the right of access to records held by public bodies. It also guarantees your right to request your personal info and ask for corrections to wrong or outdated entries.
At the same time, the FOIP Act also includes strong privacy requirements. Record holders aren't meant to simply share data with anyone, so you have to jump through specific hoops. Let's look at what that means for checking your Calgary criminal record.
How to Check Your Calgary Criminal Record Online
There are multiple ways to access your Calgary criminal record online. Here's a rundown of three major options:
1. Police Information Checks (PIC) by the Calgary Police Service
The Calgary Police Service offers a comprehensive Police Information Check (PIC). This goes beyond a simple Canadian criminal record check, including a wide range of disclosures. But it's limited to Calgary records. It won't reveal information from other provinces.
The PIC involves searching information from three databases:
- SENTRY (Police Record Management System): This search reveals local records of your involvement with the Calgary Police Service.
- JOIN (Justice Online Information Network): Alberta province maintains this database of court system records.
- CPIC (Canadian Police Information Centre): This nationally shared system is managed by the RCMP.
You'll receive your PIC results in the form of a Calgary Police Service certificate letter. They'll include your:
- Canada-wide criminal record history
- Vulnerable sector search if required
- Police history, including local police information and Alberta Provincial court records.
Once your request goes through, the certificate letter will be accessible online for 60 days. It'll get deleted after that, so it’s a good idea to download and save a copy to avoid having to apply again.
Although the whole process is digital, the system fields requests in the order of the date they were made. You’ll also have to wait one month from your application to request a status update.
You can apply online 24/7. However, the police service may experience high-volume periods that cause slowdowns. Also, it doesn't respond to requests for expedited processing. In short, plan ahead and follow the instructions carefully.
After applying, watch your email inbox for any further instructions to prevent delays. If your initial search turns up a possible vulnerable sector flag, you'll be sent an “attend” letter.
Your “attend” letter will let you know you need to make an appointment for in-person fingerprinting with the Calgary Police Service. You'll have to travel to the Calgary Police Service Westwinds Campus at 5111 47 Street NE on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday, so make sure you have room in your schedule — walk-ins aren't allowed. You can read more about what to bring here.
2. Online RCMP Checks
Can you get your RCMP record online? This can be a source of confusion, but currently, the answer is no.
The Alberta RCMP trialed a six-month program allowing online criminal record checks, but it ended in March 2022. The good news is that the RCMP seems to want to bring this service back, but there's no telling when that might happen.
3. Online Services
The third option is to talk to a company that specializes in record checks. This option offers a convenient way to handle everything from your phone or computer. It's fast, and good providers keep you in the loop at every stage, so you always know what comes next.
Accredited companies also maintain strong privacy protections. It's easy to complete the process from home without worrying about unintentional disclosure.
The downsides here are few, but they're worth covering. Depending on which service you use, you may have to do extra work to authenticate yourself. For instance, some online systems may use credit reporting agencies for identity verification. This can be tough if you don't have much of a credit history. In most cases, however, you can handle the process by providing photos of valid government-issued identification and a selfie of you holding the same ID.
Most private companies charge additional fees for their services. These costs are typically higher than the standard police service fees, but you get a lot in return.
Criminal record experts help you raise your chances of a successful application. They'll review your request before submission to ensure you've provided the correct info. They can also advise you on pursuing a suspension if you decide that's the next step.
How to Get a Criminal Record Check at the Police Station
In-person requests are currently the only option for CPIC records. The process is pretty straightforward:
1. Visit Your Local Police Service
Head to your local police service station in person. Inform them that you need a Criminal Record Check. They'll guide you through the process and provide the necessary forms, but it’s a good idea to reach out first to be sure you bring the required information.
2. Get Fingerprinted If Needed
If a name-based criminal record check can't definitively confirm your identity, you may have to provide fingerprints. Don't take this personally — it's just the most accurate way to confirm your identity. Fingerprinting also benefits you by ensuring you're not falsely associated with a criminal record belonging to someone else.
Can't make it to the police station? You can also get your fingerprints from an accredited company that will submit them on your behalf. Other options include public notaries and foreign embassies or consulates. Foreign private companies can offer fingerprinting, but they must have signed memorandums of understanding with their local police or accredited Canadian companies. Private fingerprinting may offer a bit more flexible scheduling.
3. Pay Your Fees and Wait
The processing times and fees vary depending on the type of check you need. It's a good idea to review the cost schedule online and make sure you bring the appropriate amount.
Different Types of Record Checks
Not all record checks are the same:
- Standard (name-based) checks look up your criminal history using only your name and date of birth.
- Vulnerable sector checks include normal checks but also add special searches of record suspensions for sexual offenses. No law requires organizations to request these, but they're common for those working with children, those with disabilities, and the elderly. Remember: these checks must happen at your local police service!
What Other Services Provide Calgary Criminal Record Checks?
As we mentioned above, private services can provide Calgary criminal record checks. These services must be accredited to offer things like fingerprinting.
In most cases, it's best to work with providers that have some legal expertise. This makes it easier to transition to requesting a suspension.
What Is a Certified Criminal Record?
A certified criminal record check is a step above the standard check. It’s necessary when your name search can't provide a definite confirmation of your identity. For instance, you might share the same first, middle, and last name as someone else and have the same date of birth. Or you might have received a letter saying you need a vulnerable sector check, in which case, it pays to be precise.
Certified checks are validated using fingerprints. In most cases, you'll have to provide your fingerprints in person, but they can typically be transmitted electronically from there. A small percentage of people may need to have their fingerprints transmitted in paper form, which might delay the process slightly.
Once you've given your fingerprints and your informed consent for their use, the police will look them up in the National Repository of Criminal Records. The RCMP's Canadian Criminal Real Time Identification Services (CCRTIS) usually handles this process.
It's worth noting that, by law, the fingerprints you give the CCRTIS can't be added to a database. They won't be used for anything but the identity search you're requesting.
Conclusion
Checking your criminal record is important because the knowledge helps you control your future. That's why there are specific legally mandated procedures for getting the process done as conveniently as possible.
The law recognizes that you have a right to know what information the authorities keep regarding your past. You also have a right to ensure that information is updated and correct.
Could getting a Calgary criminal record check be your first step to opening new doors? Learn more about your options, and discover why it doesn't have to be a complicated process. If you're ready to move forward in life, check your criminal record as part of a record suspension. Get started online today by contacting AllCleared.
