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Record Checks

The Record Checks and Freedom of Information office is open by appointment only. 

To contact the Record Check Department please refer to the last section of this page titled “What are the Record Check Department’s hours of operation” for contact information. 

Record Checks applications are now submitted online.  Completed record checks will be available for download through your online account or by using a unique pin number sent by e-mail.  Regardless of your age or credit history, you can still pay for and submit your application online to get the process started. 

There are three types of criminal record checks. Please consult the chart below for a summary of each type of check and click the link below for requirements and information on how to submit an application:

*If you require a Broad Record Check (BRC) as requested under the Child, Youth and Family Services Act (CYFSA) or the Intercountry Adoption Act (IAA), this is now available. When filling out your online application ensure you note the difference between the Broad Record Check options and choose the one suitable to your position. Please note that Broad Record Check processing has been on hold, however we will begin processing these checks at the beginning of June, 2025.

Types of Checks and Definitions

PLEASE NOTE: The London Police Service will continue to conduct adoption-related record checks. To learn more about the requirements and how to submit an application, visit the Adoption Records Check section.

What is a volunteer? 

 A “volunteer” means a person who performs a service but who receives no compensation for doing so other than an allowance for expenses or an honorarium. It excludes a person receiving some other form of credit, such as academic credit or fulfilling a sentence requirement.

Volunteers receive their VSC at a discounted rate of $15 plus tax or their CRC and CRJMC at $0 (must pay processing fee of $9.95 plus tax). In order to qualify as a volunteer you must meet the definition above and be able to provide a volunteer letter from the requesting organization

Types of Checks and Definitions

Type of Check

Definition

Examples

Criminal Record Check (CRC)

Criminal Records Check (CRC) is a search of the RCMP databases and is usually required for employment purposes, bylaw licences or immigration purposes. It is not intended for individuals seeking employment or a volunteer position working with children or vulnerable persons.

Financial institutions, travel and immigration and retail industry.

Note: Available only to London residents.

Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check (CRJMC)

The Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check (CRJMC) is intended for applicants who are seeking employment or volunteer positions with agencies who require a criminal record check. The agency has determined that a search of sex offenders with a record suspension is NOT required (e.g. border crossing or visa) therefore this check is NOT intended for applicants who are seeking volunteer and/or employment with vulnerable persons

Board of Directors, IT personnel and construction staff at daycares, schools, hospitals and long term care facilities.

Note: Only residents of London who are not directly in a position of trust/authority with the vulnerable population can apply for a Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check (CRJMC).  

Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC)

The Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) was established to provide screening of individuals who intend on working or volunteering with the vulnerable. A vulnerable person is defined as a person who, because of their age, a disability, or other circumstances, whether temporary or permanent are (a) in a position of dependence on others or (b) are otherwise at a greater risk than the general population of being harmed by a person in a position or authority or trust relative to them. This type of screening is required for the following types of positions: teacher, social worker, daycare worker, sport coaches, etc.

Doctors, nurses, hospital employees, dentists, teachers, non-teaching staff in schools (such as janitors and administrative support), early childcare educators, daycare employees, employees in long term care facilities that provide health services to vulnerable adults.

Note:  Available only to London residents, VSC is restricted to persons/employees who are in a position of trust/ authority with the vulnerable population.  

 

I want to know about...

We strive to complete our record checks as soon as possible, but depending on our current volume of requests, wait times can vary.  We will update the banner that pops up when you initially click on the Record Checks option on our website to let you know our current estimated processing times.  If you are notified that your record check will be mailed, that can take an extra estimated delivery time of 5-7 days through Canada Post.

Please note – if you have applied for a Broad Record check under the Vulnerable Sector Check section or the Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check section there will be a delay in processing these record checks and they may take up to several weeks to complete.

You will receive an email notifying you that your record check is complete.  This e-mail will contain a web browser link and a unique pin number. When you visit the website linked, it will ask you for the pin number and to input one piece of personal information (date of birth, telephone number or postal code). This will bring you to the secure PDF results page of your record check.

We do not have a system in place to process 'rush' requests. We appreciate that everyone would like their check completed as quickly as possible, and we strive to minimize the turnaround time as best we can.

Background checks are only valid as of the date they are issued.  Most record checks are made available to you when you download them from your online account.  You have 31 days to download the completed record check or to notify us of any technical difficulties.  In some cases, we are still required to mail the completed record check using Canada Post.  If you require a replacement paper copy (damaged in the mail, not received), you have 90 days from the processing date to notify us. Please email our Records Screening Unit to submit your request.  

If you require a name based record check for any other reason (some examples below), you may apply online

  • Immigration (if you haven’t been notified by Immigration, please double check that you actually require the record check)
  • Visa application
  • Nexus or fast card application
  • Border crossing
  • Rental contract

 

If you require a fingerprint based record check, please attend Commissionaires Office.  See below examples.

  • Clearance letter for Immigration
  • Fingerprints for level 1 or 2 not being requested by London Police
  • Border waiver
  • Under 18 for Citizenship (only if you require fingerprints for Canadian Citizenship)
  • Criminal Record Check for Personal Use and any type of government employment (formerly Privacy Act prints) (eg. Applying for permanent residency in the States)

 

Commissionaires (Great Lakes)

1730 Dundas Street or 14-1112 Dearness Drive

London, ON

519-433-6763 x. 224

We have streamlined our process. You will receive the results page only (plus any applicable attachments). In the bottom right hand corner of the results page there will be a QR code. This QR code will be active for 90 days from the date the record check was uploaded electronically. By scanning the QR code, it will allow your employer, volunteer organization or educational institution to view the original PDF and compare it to the copy provided by the applicant.

Your original application will be kept on file with the London Police Service (as per the LPS retention policy).

We must use a process for adoption record checks that is different from the process used for a vulnerable sector check. Please select a Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check – Broad Record Check (ADOPTION). This is the check required by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS) for the purpose of Adoption.

You will need to be fingerprinted to complete the record check. There is a $25 fee for fingerprints.

No, you must be living within the City of London at the time you submit your record check. If you do not live in the city, please go to the local police station in the area where you live.

Yes, but only if you are applying to volunteer or work for a government agency (municipal, provincial or federal).New legislation states youth under the age of 18 can no longer receive record checks unless it is being provided to a government agency (funded by the government does not qualify). Because we are unable to provide refunds, it is your responsibility to ensure you are eligible to apply. If you are unsure if the agency is government run, please check with your employer. 

Youth under the age of 18 can now apply online. You will need two pieces of valid government issued identification and proof of your London address. Examples of this include a student report card or student profile.

You will need to provide the name of the government agency, address and position description.

NEW - You can apply online for a record check if you are applying to volunteer or for employment with a government agency (municipal, provincial or federal). You will need two pieces of valid government issued identification and proof of your London address. Examples of this include a student report card or student profile.

You will need to provide the name of the government agency, address and position description.

Yes, but only during the school year. You will need to provide proof of your London address. A current utility bill or rental agreement is enough. If you need a record check during the summer months, you will need to go the local police station in the area where you are living at that time.

If you are outside of Canada, the only way to get a record check is by submitting your fingerprints to the RCMP. You can find more information on how to get a record check while living outside of Canada on the RCMP website.

The Records Screening Unit is is open by appointment only, Monday to Friday 8:00am until 4:00pm.  If you would like to apply for a record check, please do so online using the “Apply Online” button above.  If you need assistance, please contact us by calling 519-661-5255 or emailing ipa@londonpolice.ca.  

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