Criminal record checks and fingerprinting by Ron Dowle

It may not be known to all Strata Councils that criminal record checks and fingerprinting services are available from the RCMP. If a job applicant will have access to keys (e.g. a caretaker) or is to hold a position of trust then a criminal record check should always be considered. In most jurisdictions these facilities are available only at main detachment headquarters and generally applications are accepted only from residents of that jurisdiction. There is a charge for these services set by the jurisdiction concerned. It is generally in the range $30 to $60.

Criminal record checks can only be done with the consent of the person concerned who must complete a detailed 'Consent for Disclosure' form which includes an authorization for disclosure to a specified person and specifies the detail in which records are to be checked. The specified person must attend the RCMP office and must provide two pieces of I.D. You cannot get a criminal record check on your neighbour just because you don't like him, nor on your daughter's new boy friend because you don't think he would be a good husband. While recent references which can be checked are often considered sufficient for domestic employment or baby sitting, an employer can always make it a condition of employment that a criminal record check is done and in the case of someone who has access to your home this is something to consider. If the potential employee has nothing to hide and wants the job, and the employer pays the fees, there is no real reason to object.

Criminal record checks are done on all government employees and for many volunteer organizations, for which there is no charge-but a letter of confirmation from the volunteer organization is required. The Real Estate Board of BC requires a criminal record check before granting a realtors license. Not all business employers require a criminal records check but many service and repair firms whose employees need to enter clients' homes or premises do have these checks done. All bonded staff must undergo criminal record check.

The results of a criminal records check are not very revealing. The report merely states that the subject has no criminal record, or that a criminal record may or may not exist. This last piece of double-speak is needed as a guard against error, since the basic check is made on name and date of birth only, and to cover cases which have yet to come before the court. No information is given about the nature of the crime, the date or the sentence. Such information can be provided with a positive identification by fingerprinting, with the consent of the subject.

The law dos not permit the RCMP to disclose young offender information even if consent is given. If the young offender requests the information it must be given and he may disclose it as he wishes.

Fingerprinting is required for all bonded employees and for certain positions of trust such as security guards. It is sometimes needed for visa applications and immigration. Fingerprinting is also needed to obtain a positive identification in a criminal record check (see above). There is a separate charge for fingerprinting. The amount is usually similar to the charge for a criminal records check. Some children's organizations recommend child fingerprinting to parents as a precaution in the event of child abduction so that later identification can be made. Identifications can also be made by DNA testing but it is vastly more expensive than fingerprinting. DNA can be obtained from items, which the abduction victim has used.

The RCMP may not and do not retain copies of fingerprints made for any of the purposes described above.

For more information contact your local RCMP headquarters.

Ron is a past director of the Pacific Condominium Association.