Records Branch / Background Check

Business Hours:

Monday through Sunday
7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Phone: 705-725-7025 ext. 2141

Payment for services accepted in cash, debit or visa

Please choose a link:

Police Record Checks
Vulnerable Sector Search
Declaration of Criminal Record
Reconsideration Process
Out of Country Police Record Checks
Corporate Criminal Record Checks
Non-Parent Custody of Child: Police Record Check
Pardon Applications
Destruction of Fingerprints and Photographs
Release of Information - Insurance Requests
Freedom of Information Unit

NOTE: Due to the high volume of record checks received this Fall, it may take 8 weeks or more to process, including mailing time. Once the record check is completed, the results will be mailed to the applicant.

Police Record Checks

On July 25, 2011 the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police introduced new guidelines for Police Record Checks. The guidelines are intended to promote consistency in processing methods, terminology, and access throughout Ontario.

The new guidelines introduce three levels of police record checks:

Police Criminal Record Check - intended for applicants who are involved as a volunteer, employee or in any situation where a basic PCRC is requested. (i.e. retails, or immigration)

Police Information Check - intended for applicants who are seeking employment and/or volunteering with agencies who require a criminal record check along with local police involvement. The agency has determined that a search of pardoned sex offenders, or contact relating to mental health is not required.

Police Vulnerable Sector Check - intended for applicants who are seeking employment and/or volunteering with vulnerable individuals. It is a collection of offence information, including convictions, non-convictions and other relevant police contact information, as well as a check of pardoned sex offenders and mental health contact.

"Vulnerable persons" means persons who, because of their age, a disability or other circumstances, whether temporary or permanent, (a)are in a position of dependence on others; or (b) are otherwise at a greater risk than the general population of being harmed by persons in a position of authority or trust relative to them.

Please see the links below for further information:

• Police Check - Applicant Fact Sheet
• Police Check - Agency Fact Sheet

Citizens of Barrie who require a police criminal record check, a police information check and/or a police vulnerable sector check must attend Barrie Police Service at 29 Sperling Drive, Barrie, Ontario in person to fill out the forms at the Record's counter between 7:00AM - 11:00PM, 7 days a week.

As of October 11th, 2011, the Barrie Police Service will no longer be providing online record checks. Any applications that have been sent electronically prior to this date will be processed and applicants will be notified upon their completion.

Request Police Record Check in Person

In order to obtain a Police Record Check, you must be a resident of the City of Barrie. In order to process the check, you will be required to produce two pieces of valid identification. One of which must be government-issued and include your name, date of birth, signature and PHOTO, such as, but not limited to:

• Passport
• Citizenship Card
• Permanent Resident Card
• Driver’s Licence
• Ontario Health Card
• Ontario Photo Card ID
• Federal, Provincial or Municipal Government Employee Identification Card
• Certificate of Indian Status (Status Card) issued by Indian and Northern Affairs Canada(INAC)
• Military Family Identification Card
• Photo affidavit of identification issued by the Commissionaires Office.

Your second piece of identification must have your name on it (photo not required), such as, but not limited to, another government photo ID as per above, a birth certificate, library card or student card.

If you are required to obtain the record check for employment purposes the cost is $40.00.

If you are a student and are required to obtain the record check for a school program only, the cost is $20.00. A valid student card or proof of enrolment is required at the time of application - No Exceptions.

If you require the record check for a volunteer position it is free. A letter from the organization in which you will be volunteering is required and must be provided at the time of application - No Exceptions.

NOTE: It may take approximately 4-8 weeks to process, including mailing time. Once the record check is completed, the results will be mailed to the applicant.

Vulnerable Sector Search

This section is restricted to applicants seeking employment and/or volunteering with vulnerable individuals and will be in a position of authority or trust.

"Vulnerable persons" means persons who, because of their age, a disability or other circumstances, whether temporary or permanent, (a) are in a position of dependence on others; or (b) are otherwise at a greater risk than the general population of being harmed by persons in a position of authority or trust relative to them.

Applicant must be a resident of the City of Barrie. The cost is included in the $40.00 fee for the Police Record Check.

On July 19, 2010, RCMP instituted enhancements to the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) system for querying flagged pardoned sex offender records, commonly referred to as a Vulnerable Sector (VS) query that all Canadian Police agencies must comply with.

When performing a VS query, the CPIC system initially attempts to identify a possible match to a sexual offence for which a pardon has been granted. This match is based on the Surname and Given Name, date of birth and gender of the individual.

If the initial query does not identify the possible existence of a sexual offence record for which the individual received a pardon, the CPIC system will now perform a subsequent query based on the gender and Date of birth of the individual.

The additional query ensures that the CPIC system will require fingerprints to complete the VS verification based on similar gender and date of birth data. This change may also trigger the CPIC system to prompt for more fingerprint submissions to verify the existence of PARDONED SEX OFFENDER Records.

Upon Barrie PS processing your Police Record Check with a Vulnerable Sector Form 1 attached, individuals affected by this enhancement will receive an information letter from the Barrie PS explaining, in detail, the steps that must be followed in order for their VS check to be completed.

It is important for the public to understand that under no circumstance does this notification confirm that the applicant is or is not a pardoned sex offender. In almost all cases, this “possible match” is ruled out via fingerprints.

Barrie Police Service will require the Applicant to:

OPTION 1: (paper submission and paper results)

1) Be fingerprinted on a Form C-216C. Contact a Station Duty Officer to book an appointment with the Identification Unit. Fingerprint fee is $20.00, for both volunteer & employment

2) Ensure that all Form C-216C fields are correct and legible

3) Indicate the position for which you are applying for. If it is for volunteer purposes, a letter on the organization’s letterhead must accompany the application, to waive RCMP $25 fee.

If it is for employment purposes or for students, a $25 fee is required. You must attach a certified cheque or money order in the amount of $25 with the application to the RCMP – payable to The Receiver General of Canada.

4) Submit a signed and completed consent Form 1 (RCMP form that will be provided by Identification Unit) that enables the verification to be conducted, and

5) Send the Form C216-C and other applicable documentation to the Canadian Real Time Identification Services (CCRTIS) in Ottawa.

OPTION 2: (electronic submission and paper results)

The Barrie Police Service does not offer LIVESCAN technology. You now have the option of having your fingerprints taken electronically at one of the RCMP accredited fingerprinting company locations in Canada to submit to the Real-Time Indentification system for VS purposes.

Search results that do not match to an RCMP fingerprint holding will be completed in 2-3 business days and returned by mail to Barrie Police.

RCMP Accredited Fingerprinting companies for Electronic Vulnerable Sector Checks:
* L-1 Solutions
* ClearNeed Information Systems (E Scan Fingerprinting, 204-109 Bayfield St. Barrie)
* Canadian Corps of Commissionaires (Commissionaires, 5 Bellfarm Rd. Barrie)
Please check websites for contact information and their fee structure

Barrie Police will provide a "letter of instruction" to the applicant. This letter must be given to the accredited fingerprint company if electronic fingerprints are submitted.

When the RCMP search process is completed, which is taking 120 days or more on a paper submission, 2-3 business days on an electronic submission, the results are returned to this agency. If the results of the RCMP search are negative, this search will then be returned to you via mail.

Should you have any further inquiries regarding the new VS query, please visit http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cr-cj/vulner/index-eng.htm, Vulnerable Sector Verifications.

Declaration of Criminal Record

Applicant must declare all convictions for offences under federal law. Applicant should not declare a conviction for which the Applicant has received a Pardon in accordance with the Criminal Records Act; A conviction where the Applicant was a "young person" under the Youth Criminal Justice Act; An absolute or Conditional Discharge, pursuit to section 730 of the Criminal Code; An offence for which the Applicant was not convicted; Any provincial or municipal offence, and; Any charges dealt wth outside of Canada. Declaration of Criminal Record does not constitute a Certified Criminal Record by the RCMP; Declaration of Criminal Record may not contain all criminal record convictions; A Certified Criminal Record can only be issued by CCRTIS based on the submission of fingerprints to the RCMP National Repository of Criminal Records.

Reconsideration Process

An applicant who has had a police criminal record check, a police information check or police vulnerable sector check completed, may wish to have information excluded from the results. A process of reconsideration is in place at the Barrie Police Service.

Requests for reconsideration should be made within 60 days of the completion of the applicant's Police Record Check.

A reconsideration request must be made in writing and submitted to:

Susan Lunsted
Record's Manager
29 Sperling Drive
Barrie, Ontario
L4M6K9

Out of Country Police Record Checks

If you are OUTSIDE OF CANADA:

Contact the nearest Police Service which offers fingerprinting services. The RCMP will accept fingerprint forms from foreign countries that contain the following information from the applicant:

• Rolled and flat impression of all ten fingers taken with black ink
• Full Name
• Date of Birth
• Sex
• Name and address of the Police Agency as well as the signature of the official taking the fingerprints.

NOTES:
Canadian Embassies and Consulates may not have adequate resources of facilities to provide this service.

The ability to submit fingerprints electronically to the RCMP is not currently available outside of Canada.

Corporate Criminal Record Checks

CORPORATE CRIMINAL RECORD CHECKS ARE NOT AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME. WE APOLOGIZE FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE.

Non-Parent Custody of Child (Ontario): Police Record Check

The Family Court will advise you that you are required to submit additional information to the Court as part of your application, which includes a recent police records check. You will be directed by the Courts or your Lawyer to bring the Ministry form to your local Police agency for your criminal record check.

Consent Form for Police Record Check for Non-Parent Custody Applicants are obtained from Family court or you may download form at: www.ontariocourtforms.com.ca/english/family/documents-related-to-bill-13...

Cost of Police record check with ministry form provided is $5.00 total.

Without form, $40.00 for police record check and $5.00 for Access to information check (Freedom of information check) applies.

Pardon Applications

A Pardon is a recognition that you are of good conduct. When a Pardon is granted, the information will be taken out of the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) computer system.

Before you are eligible to apply for a Pardon, you must have completed all your sentences and waited a certain period of time from the completion of your sentences. Under the Criminal Code of Canada and other federal statutes the waiting period is three years for Summary Convictions and five years for Indictable Offences.

There are private companies who offer their assistance in obtaining Pardons, but this booklet has been designed for individuals to apply for it on their own.

The booklet may also be downloaded from the National Parole Board website at http://pbc-clcc.gc.ca/prdons/pardon-eng.shtml

Once the applicant has received proof of conviction from the RCMP, the applicant may attend the Record’s counter to drop off the National Parole Board, Local Police Records Check Form (from the Pardon booklet). The cost for this service is $40.00.

It takes approximately 4-8 weeks to process, including mailing time.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD PARDON APPLICATIONS ON-LINE

Destruction of Fingerprints and Photographs

Barrie Police Service will not routinely destroy adult identification records where charges are dismissed, withdrawn, stayed (after the appropriate waiting period) acquitted or not proceeded with. Barrie Police Service will consider the destruction of fingerprints and photographs upon receiving a written request from the person who is subject of the fingerprints/photographs or their solicitor when:

• The accused is a first-time offender with no prior involvement with the police as a suspect.
• There is no record of a criminal conviction
• A peace bond is not in effect for the party requesting destruction
• One year after a Stay of Proceedings

Release of Information - Insurance Requests

Motor Vehicle Reports

Copies of accident reports can be obtained on request. Requests with payments can be submitted in person or mailed to:

Barrie Police Service
29 Sperling Drive
Barrie, Ontario, L4M 6K9

Information on an accident report will only be released to:

• The person or company directly involved
• The Law Firm whose client is directly involved
• The Insurance Company whose insured is directly involved

Cost: $25.00 – includes tax

Occurrence Reports - Insurance Company Request

Copies of occurrence reports can be obtained on request. Requests with payments can be submitted in person or mailed to:

Barrie Police Service
29 Sperling Drive
Barrie, Ontario, L4M 6K9

Occurrence reports include thefts, property damage, break and enters and mischief. Information on occurrences will only be released to:

• The person or company directly involved
• The Law Firm whose client is directly involved
• The Insurance Company whose insured is directly involved

If charges are still before the courts, only the name(s) of the accused parties, their charge(s) and pending court date will be released. Nothing further until after the charge(s) is completed in court. A follow-up report will be sent after the charges are completed in court.

Cheques (unless certified) are only accepted from Insurance Companies and Law Firms, and are to be made payable to The Barrie Police Service. We also accept cash, money orders or Visa as payment.

Cost: $50.00 – includes tax.

Occurrence Reports - General Public Request

Copies of occurrence reports can be obtained on request by the public. Requests with payments can be submitted in person at Barrie Police Service.

Cost: $50.00 – includes tax.

We accept cash, debit or Visa from the public.

Freedom of Information Unit

REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION – ACCESS/ CORRECTION

The Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act was enacted on January 1, 1991. The purpose of the Act is two-fold:

1. To provide the right of access to information under the control of the Police in accordance with the principles that information should be available to the public, exemptions from this right of access should be limited and specific and decisions on disclosure should be reviewed independently of the institution controlling the information.
2. To protect the privacy of individuals.

The Act also allows individuals to make privacy complaints should they believe a member of a police service has violated their privacy rights. Contact the Information and Privacy Commissioner’s office at 416-326-3333 or 1-800-387-0073 or TTY 416-325-7539 regarding the complaint procedure or visit www.ipc.on.ca.

The Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act also enables individuals to correct personal information or attach a statement of disagreement to a record held by the police. Should you wish to exercise this right, please contact the Barrie Police Service Freedom of Information Coordinator for further assistance.

Requests by Mail:

To make a request via mail, please print out and complete the form below:

Click Here to Download the Barrie Police Service Information Access/Correction Request Form

Requests in Person:

Requests may be made in person at the Records counter of the Barrie Police Service, 29 Sperling Drive, Barrie or via mail.

All requests must be in writing, either by application form or by letter, accompanied by a $5.00 application fee. Payment may be made in person by cash, debit, VISA, cheque or money order. Payment may be made in the mail by cheque or money order payable to the Barrie Police Service. Photo identification must also be provided at the time of the request.

All requests for information via mail should be directed to:

Barrie Police Service
Freedom of Information Unit
29 Sperling Drive
Barrie, Ontario L4M 6K9

Lawyers and insurance companies should submit their client's/insured's authorization with their application and payment.

Once the application and payment have been received, applicants will be notified regarding disclosure within 30 days.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Will my name as the requester be disclosed?

A: Your name will only be disclosed if you give permission for disclosure.

Is it possible to get only my own information in a police report?

A: The application form asks if you want the police to contact any other involved parties in a report. If you indicate "no", only your own personal information will be released.

I can't recall the exact details of the information that I'm looking for. Can I still make a request?

A: Provide as much detail as you can on the application form and we will search for the records accordingly. You may be contacted for further details/clarification in order to assist with the search.

Are there additional fees?

A: There may be additional fees. If you are asking for your own personal information, there may be photocopying fees. If you are requesting general information, there may also be search, preparation and shipping fees.

If you require further information or assistance, please contact:

Debbie Gilmer
Coordinator, Freedom of Information
(705) 725-7025, ext. 2457
dgilmer@barriepolice.ca

Additional Links:

http://www.ipc.on.ca/english/Home-Page/
http://www.ontario.ca/>

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