Many employers request a criminal record check in Ontario as part of their recruiting process to ensure they’re hiring trustworthy candidates. In Toronto, for instance, well over half of employers say they request a criminal record check for all their employees.

If you’re currently job hunting, you may be wondering how to obtain a criminal record check in Ontario. Here’s what you need to know.

What Type of Criminal Record Check in Ontario Do I Need?

Firstly, it’s important to establish that there are different kinds of criminal record checks. This can be confusing because different police services can have different names for them, such as police information checks, police certificates, etc. So, if you’re unsure about what type of criminal record check you need, please confirm with your employer and your local police.

The RCMP lists three main types:

  • Name-based criminal record checks

This is the most common type of criminal record check in Ontario. It uses names and birthdates against the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) system.

  • Certified criminal record checks

If a name-based criminal record check can’t provide a conclusive result, you may be required to provide fingerprints. The RCMP’s Canadian Criminal Real Time Identification Services (CCRTIS) will then search the National Repository of Criminal Records.

  • Vulnerable sector check

Vulnerable sector checks are used for applicants looking to work in positions of authority with children and vulnerable adults. In addition to the information included in a standard criminal record check, it will also show if an individual has any pardoned sexual offences.

How to Obtain a Criminal Record Check in Ontario

Traditionally, job seekers who required a criminal record check in Ontario needed to visit a local police station. Fortunately, as technology has progressed, you can now obtain yours online without having to leave your home.

Nonetheless, different police services have different procedures and processing times.

In addition to the OPP, there are 44 municipal police services in Ontario and nine First Nations police services. Please check with your local police service to confirm processing times and procedures.

Need Your Criminal Record Check in Ontario Fast?

If you need your criminal record check in Ontario fast then Triton can help. Our online process will satisfy a name-based criminal record check across the province and can be completed in minutes.

Just enter your information, pay using our secure methods, and you’ll receive your criminal record check via email in 15 minutes or less. It’s that simple!

And because we follow RCMP guidelines, your information is secure.

Download our app or visit our website to get your criminal record check in Ontario today.