Background checks can be of various types. CRC (Criminal Record Check), VSC (Vulnerable Sector Check), and CRJMC (Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check) are the three most popular types.
Businesses and individuals requiring background checks in Ontario, Canada should understand the difference between these checks clearly. Each check has a different process which often baffles people. Seeking help from reputed companies like Globeia can make this easier.
Here is how each type of check is done and how they differ from each other.
Criminal Records Check (CRC)
The most elementary variety of background checks is Criminal Records Check. It scours through the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) database to look for criminal conviction records.
- Purpose: People might need it for tasks like volunteering, securing general employment etc., for which submission of a basic criminal record for employment is vital.
- Procedure: Police services or accredited agencies carry out name-based criminal record checks like the VPD criminal record check or EPS criminal record check online.
- Processing Time: The entire process may take a few days or even a week.
Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check (CRJMC)
For a more advanced criminal record search, Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check is the best alternative. This process takes into account criminal conviction records along with outstanding entries like warrants, charges, peace bonds, judicial orders, probation orders etc.
- Purpose: If a job position requires a thorough checking of the applicant for greater trustworthiness, CRJMC is the best alternative. It is also used for immigration check requirements and for jobs not relevant to vulnerable sectors.
- Process: CRJMC, just like a CRC can be conducted online via third-party companies or police services. The process of criminal record check application is simple and you can do it online.
- Turnaround Time: It might take a few days or at most a week.
Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC)
A VSC refers to a specialized check for those who aspire to work with vulnerable populations, like the elderly, children, or disabled people.
- Purpose: This check is mandatory for those who wish to work in positions that demand significant trust and responsibility. Besides checking everything scrutinized under a CRJMC, this one also looks for even forgiven sex offenses.
- Process: Accredited agencies can conduct a CRC or a CRJMC. However, only the local police of the applicant’s residential area can carry out a VSC.
- Turnaround Time: This might take a few weeks or more.Conducting Checks in Ontario
Both police services and accredited agencies like Globeia can carry out CRC and CRJMC online. Efficient and accurate, this process makes background checking convenient for individuals as well as organizations. For a VSC, an applicant has to visit the local police station. This strict process ensures a detailed and in-depth examination of a person’s reliability who wants to work with vulnerable populations.
Here’s a table to help you to determine which check is suitable for you.
Position/ Occupation | VSC | CRC | CRJMC |
Accountant |
|
| ✔ |
Adoption (must be fingerprinted) |
|
| ✔ |
Attendant in children’s petting zoo | ✔ | ||
Bank Teller |
| ✔ | ✔ |
Counselor/Psychologist/Social Worker | ✔ |
|
|
Doctor/Dentist/Nurse/Daycare worker | ✔ |
|
|
Driving Instructor | ✔ | ||
Factory Worker/Food Vendor | ✔ | ✔ | |
Foster Parents/ Resident in Foster Home/ Host Family | ✔ | ||
Immigration / Permanent Resident | ✔ | ✔ | |
Labourer/Trades/Landlord/Superintendent | ✔ | ✔ | |
Lawyer/Notary Public | ✔ | ||
Massage Therapist/Chiropractor/ Minor Sporting Coach | ✔ | ||
Name Change | ✔ | ||
Office Manager/ Administration Staff | ✔ | ✔ | |
Police Officer | ✔ | ||
Professional Licensing/Realtor | ✔ | ||
Retirement Home worker/ Residential aid/ Caregiver | ✔ | ||
Retail Sales/ Retail store clerk | ✔ | ||
School bus driver/ School Crossing Guard | ✔ | ||
School Teacher/Teaching Assistant/Tutor/Scout Leader | ✔ | ||
Security Guard | ✔ | ✔ | |
Servers in restaurant | ✔ | ||
Students (for school placements) | ✔ | ✔ | |
Support Worker | ✔ | ||
Taxi Drivers | ✔ | ||
Tenants for rental property | ✔ | ✔ | |
Truck Driver/Warehouse worker | ✔ | ||
Volunteers | ✔ | ✔ | |
Working Visa | ✔ | ✔ | |
Youth Worker | ✔ |