Not-for-Profit Agencies and Businesses
Dealing with a local police service when conducting a criminal background check is the most comprehensive approach to ensuring public safety.
Local police services, like the Chatham-Kent Police Service, provide information not included in criminal background checks offered by third-party private companies, that only reference the RCMP National Repository of Criminal Records.
Agencies and businesses requesting Police Background Checks from their clients, volunteers or employees should always keep in mind that the results of a Police Background Check should only constitute one part of the overall evaluation of the suitability of an individual.
Police Background Checks are limited in terms of what information the Police are entitled to release. The Chatham-Kent Police Service will always keep in mind the privacy concerns of the individuals requesting these checks. It is incumbent upon the requesting agencies or business to conduct their own evaluations of the suitability of the applicant. This will help ensure that information that may not be available to police is gathered and used towards this overall evaluation. i.e. checking with references, interviews etc..
Through a TEAM approach of applicant suitability, the overall evaluation process will ensure that the agency or the police service are not solely placed in a position to provide the ultimate stamp of approval.
TYPES OF POLICE CHECKS AVAILABLE
There are two levels of screening checks available by the Chatham-Kent Police Service. The type of position your applicant is applying for will determine which type of check you should request.
Police Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check (CRJMC):
Should be requested when you are seeking volunteers or employees who will NOT have any responsibilities dealing with the vulnerable sector.
For a detailed list of what personal information is included in a CRJMC, click here.
Police Vulnerable Sector Check (PVSC):
Should be requested when you are seeking volunteers or employees who WILL have any responsibilities dealing with the vulnerable sector. Such as persons who, because of their age, a disability or other circumstances, whether temporary or permanent, (A) are in a position of dependence on others; or (B) are otherwise at a greater risk than the general population of being harmed by persons in a position of authority or trust relative to them. i.e. children, disabled, elderly.
Most importantly, requesting a PVSC will ensure that a search of the Pardoned Sex Offender Repository is conducted to ensure that the applicant has not been previously pardoned for a past sexual offence. This search is not included in a CRJMC request.
For a detailed list of what personal information is included in a PVSC, click here.
For specific examples where a VS check may and may not be appropriate, please click here.