What Shows Up on a Police Check in Canada?

What Shows Up on a Police Check in Canada?

Understanding what appears on a police background check helps you prepare for employment screening. This guide breaks down exactly what is included, what isn't, and how different check types vary.

Information That DOES Appear

Criminal Convictions

All criminal convictions in the CPIC (Canadian Police Information Centre) database appear, including:

• Indictable offences: Serious crimes like assault causing bodily harm, robbery, drug trafficking
• Summary offences: Less serious crimes like theft under $5,000, causing a disturbance
• Hybrid offences: Crimes that can be prosecuted either way, like impaired driving, assault

Details shown:

• Offence name
• Date of conviction
• Sentence received
• Court location

Outstanding Matters

Current pending items appear:

• Outstanding criminal charges
• Active arrest warrants
• Bench warrants
• Canada-wide warrants

Other Entries

Depending on check type:

• Peace bonds (court-ordered conditions)
• Probation orders (while active)
• Prohibition orders (firearms, driving)

Information That Does NOT Appear

Acquittals and Withdrawals

If you were NOT convicted, these don't appear:

• Acquittals (found not guilty)
• Charges withdrawn by Crown
• Charges stayed
• Charges dismissed

Pardoned Offences

Convictions with a record suspension (pardon) do not appear on standard checks.

Exception: Pardoned sexual offences may appear on vulnerable sector checks.

Discharged Offences (After Waiting Period)

• Absolute discharge: Removed after 1 year
• Conditional discharge: Removed after 3 years

Youth Records

Youth Criminal Justice Act records are generally sealed and not disclosed after the access period expires (typically 3-5 years).

Provincial Offences

These are NOT criminal matters and don't appear:

• Traffic tickets (speeding, parking)
• Bylaw violations
• Provincial regulatory offences
• Administrative penalties

Other Non-Criminal Matters

• Civil lawsuits
• Divorce records
• Bankruptcy
• Credit history (that's a separate check)
• Employment history
• Education records

Different Types of Police Checks

Standard Criminal Record Check

Searches:

• CPIC criminal database

Shows:

• Criminal convictions
• Outstanding charges/warrants
• Applicable court orders

Does NOT show:

• Pardoned offences
• Police contacts without charges
• Local police records

Vulnerable Sector Check

Includes everything in standard check PLUS:

• Search of pardoned sex offender database
• May include local police information

When required:

• Working with children
• Healthcare positions
• Elderly care
• Volunteer positions with vulnerable groups

Police Information Check (Some Jurisdictions)

Some police services offer expanded checks including:

• Non-conviction records
• Police contacts
• Mental health apprehensions
• Local occurrences

Not standardized across Canada - availability and content varies by police service.:

What Employers See

The Result Certificate

Employers receive a certificate showing either:

Clear Result:

"No criminal record found" or similar language

Result with Records:

• List of convictions with details
• Outstanding matters if any
• Dates and sentences

What Employers DON'T See

• Your application details
• How long the check took
• Any "flags" that were reviewed and cleared
• Records that don't meet disclosure criteria

Common Scenarios

Scenario 1: Charged But Not Convicted

You were charged with assault but charges were withdrawn.

Result: Does NOT appear on police check.

Scenario 2: Conditional Discharge

You received a conditional discharge 4 years ago.

Result: Does NOT appear (removed after 3 years).

Scenario 3: Summary Conviction

You were convicted of theft under $5,000 eight years ago.

Result: DOES appear (no time limit for convictions).

Scenario 4: Pardoned Offence

You received a record suspension for fraud 5 years ago.

Result: Does NOT appear on standard check.

Scenario 5: DUI Conviction

You were convicted of impaired driving 15 years ago.

Result: DOES appear (criminal conviction, no time limit).

Scenario 6: Youth Record

You were convicted of a crime at age 16, now you're 30.

Result: Generally does NOT appear (youth record access period expired).

How to Prepare

Step 1: Check Your Own Record

Order your own criminal record check to see exactly what appears. This prevents surprises during employment screening.

Step 2: Understand Your Results

If anything appears:

• Know the exact details
• Understand how long ago it occurred
• Prepare your explanation

Step 3: Research Your Industry

Different industries have different concerns:

• Healthcare: focus on vulnerable sector results
• Financial: concern about fraud, theft
• Driving: concern about impaired driving
• Security: various disqualifying offences

Step 4: Prepare to Discuss

If you have a record:

• Be honest and brief
• Take responsibility
• Emphasize time elapsed and growth
• Focus on your qualifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Do traffic tickets show on a police check?

No. Traffic violations are provincial offences, not criminal matters.

Will my employer see that I was arrested?

Only if you were convicted. Arrests without conviction don't appear.

How far back does the check go?

There's no time limit. All convictions appear unless pardoned or discharged.

Do mental health records show?

Not on standard criminal record checks. Some police information checks may include mental health apprehensions.

Will a check show where I've lived?

No. Criminal record checks don't include address history.

Can I see my police check before my employer?

Yes. You receive your results first and decide whether to share them.

Know Before Your Employer Does

Don't be caught off guard. Order your own criminal record check through SafeHire to see exactly what appears before you apply for jobs. Understanding your results helps you prepare and present yourself confidently.