Company questions

How do I know you’re a legitimate background checking service?

PoliceChecks is powered by CertnCentric, which is Certn’s proprietary background screening technology. Certn is a global screening provider that partners with some of the world’s largest brands. For more information visit certn.co.

How do you have the authority to run criminal record checks?

PoliceChecks empowers candidates to effortlessly obtain self-conducted criminal record checks via Canadian police detachments. These detachments utilize the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) database for their screenings. Access to the CPIC database is strictly regulated, requiring third parties to undergo a rigorous accreditation process in accordance with Section 19 of the Criminal Record Information policy.

How can I be sure that my information will be handled in a secure way?

PoliceChecks complies with all federal and provincial privacy laws. For more information on our privacy policy visit trust.certn.co.

Report questions

What information will my criminal record show?

PoliceChecks works with police partners across Canada who search the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) database for criminal history. You must disclose convictions for them to be confirmed and displayed on your criminal record report. For more information on Results of Canadian Criminal Record Checks, visit help.certn.co.

How long do criminal record checks take to be processed?

Processing time is dependent on the accuracy and completeness of the information provided by the applicant. PoliceChecks reports can be returned as quickly as 15 minutes and the majority are returned within 4 hours.

How do I complete a criminal record check?

No waiting in lines, ready in minutes. Start your criminal record check by selecting the Get Started button in the top right-hand corner.

I have questions about the information displayed on my report.

If applicants would like to dispute the content of the report they can reach out to [email protected] or submit a dispute request through the Dispute Form. For more information on Results of Canadian Criminal Record Checks, visit help.certn.co.

Can I get a refund if my employer doesn’t accept third party background checks?

No. Policechecks Criminal record checks are non-refundable. All sales are final and reimbursement will not be provided once your application has been submitted. We strongly recommend you confirm that third-party criminal record checks are accepted prior to purchase. While our checks are accredited by Canadian Police Detachments, some companies and individuals may not accept third-party criminal record checks. It is your responsibility to ensure you are applying for the correct type of background check prior to submission.

Other questions

Can I use this check for Vulnerable Sector Checks or immigration/visa purposes?

No. We do not provide Vulnerable Sector Checks. Our criminal record checks do not include convictions from the Canadian Border Service Agency (CBSA) or US Customs. PoliceChecks may not be suitable for immigration or visa purposes.

I have old convictions that I want pardoned. What do I do?

PoliceChecks is a third party criminal record check provider. For more information on record suspension in Canada, visit the Government of Canada website.

Can I use a prepaid/discount voucher issued by the organization I volunteer for when conducting a criminal record check via PoliceChecks?

PoliceChecks is unable to honour prepaid access codes that some volunteer organizations use. Please connect with your local police detachment for more information.