Canada Criminal Record System

2008-04-17 15:07:14

( Legal )



Canada's Concern Against Crime

Like any other peaceful nation, Canada is very concerned about the recent threats of terrorism and criminal activities that have been happening in other countries. Thousands of immigrants from all parts of the worlds enter Canada's borders every year, and the Canadian governments needs to protect its own citizens and residents from the deterring effects of terrorism and crime.

The Canada Criminal Records System

The Canada Police Information Center was set up in 1972 to provide databases of Canada criminal records. These Canada criminal records have been useful in helping police track down and arrest crime suspects, as well as prevent terrorist elements from infiltrating Canadian society.

Contents of Canada Criminal Records

A full Canada criminal record contains your personal information, such as your name, birth date, and personal characteristics. You have to submit fingerprints which will positively identify you as the record holder. Aside from these, your personal criminal record contains any arrests and convictions, as well as acquittals and discharges. The police will only release criminal records upon verification of the individual's identity through fingerprints.

The details in your criminal record have a purge date when you have been discharged or acquitted for the crime. Once the purge date is reached, the system will automatically erase the criminal record, except if it was a pardoned conviction.

Uses of Canadian Criminal Records

Obtaining a clearance to show that you have no existing criminal record is now a prerequisite for applying as a permanent resident or citizen of Canada. It is also required by some educational institutions for professions such as medicine, law and accounting.

Most employers would also like to check if their job applicants have any criminal records before hiring anyone.

You will also need a Canada criminal record check if you are a citizen who is applying for a visa to another country. Traveling within Canada may not be a problem if you have a Canada criminal record, but the record may be cause for disallowing your entry to other countries.

How a Criminal Record Check is Done

The party who wishes to make a criminal record check on you will first have to submit a written request along with your signed consent. The police will base the criminal record checking on your name first, and will either state that you are cleared or have no records found.

For doubtful cases, such as when you have the same name as another person with a criminal record, you may be asked to submit your fingerprints for further verification. Only then will they send an official confirmation that you are indeed the person referred to in the criminal record.


All rights Reserved © Tradenet Services srl
Do not duplicate or redistribute in any form.