Have you wondered what will show up on a Criminal Record Check in BC and how it could affect you?
Criminal record checks may be required by employers and volunteer agencies, as well as for adoptions, some travel, citizenship and immigration, or a record suspension (previously known as a pardon). If you have been accused of, charged with, and/or convicted of an offence, it is important to be aware of the information contained in a criminal record check, and how you can ensure this document accurately reflects your background and current circumstances.
Criminal Record Checks: How They Can Affect You
Information with regard to criminal convictions, charges, and allegations is contained in several databases, including:
Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) – a nationally maintained database compiled by the RCMP. It generally includes a check of the National Repository for Criminal Records and may include checks of other national data banks.
JUSTIN is a British Columbia-wide case management database. It is noteworthy that some of the information contained on JUSTIN is also available on the publicly available “Court Services Online”.
PRIME is a British Columbia-wide police database. Generally, any contact with police will be documented on this database, whether reporting an offence, being named in an investigation of an offence, or having the police recommend charges for an offence.
Two key different types of documents may be requested:
Criminal Record Checks will produce any record of criminal charges, convictions and discharges, and fingerprint information.
Vulnerable Sector Checks will include information on a criminal record check as well as any record suspensions or pardons for sexual offences, and local police records for information relevant to the vulnerable sector check (generally sexual offences or offences viewed as targeting vulnerable individuals).
Pending charges will appear on criminal record checks (and on database searches that can be performed on entry to the United States).
Criminal Record Checks: When To Consider Receiving Counsel
Unfortunately, in some cases, action is required by an accused individual to ensure their record remains clear of offences they have not been convicted of or have received a discharge or pardon for. If you are concerned your Criminal Record check may not accurately reflect your criminal history or charge status, contact Filkow Law to discuss your options.
