Understanding the Results of Canadian Criminal Record Checks
Criminal record checks are essential tools for employers and organizations to ensure the safety and security of their environments. These checks can vary in depth, and understanding the results is crucial for making informed decisions.
Explanation of Result Types
Basic Check Results
Basic Check Results
What to Expect
Negative
If the check yields a negative result, both of the following usually hold true:
- There were no criminal convictions disclosed by the candidate.
- No criminal convictions turned up during our investigation.
Confirmation of a Criminal Record
- The applicant said that they had been convicted of one or more crimes.
- We verified the candidate’s disclosure of convictions and found it to be accurate.
Incomplete
When the check gives an incomplete result, one of the following usually holds true:
- Despite the candidate’s denial of any criminal convictions, our investigation turned up one or more.
- The candidate revealed having one or more convictions for crimes; however, our investigation turned up convictions that didn’t match what the candidate had said. In this instance, it is possible that the candidate revealed more criminal records than were discovered, or the candidate may have revealed only a portion of the convictions that were discovered.
- The applicant revealed that they had prior convictions, but some information—such as the name, date, or court location—does not match the results of our investigation.
- We were unable to finish our check with the candidate’s name and birthdate. It is advised that the candidate submit to a fingerprint check in this instance.
- The applicant stated that they had been convicted of one or more crimes, however our investigation turned up nothing.
Enhanced Check Results
What to Expect
Clear Result: If the outcome on your report is Clear, it means that our check returned no results.
Not Clear Result: If the outcome on your report is “Not Clear,” our check generated results. The outcomes could include any of the items listed below,
- Summary conviction offenses
- Pending charges of any kind
- Conditional and absolute discharges
- Wanted and accused person information
- Pending probation information
- Pending court orders and undertakings
- Pending release conditions
- Pending diversions such as restorative justice
- Persons of special interest to the police
- Deportation orders
- Illegal entry charges from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)
- Charges that have been stayed of proceedings.
Overall Check Results
One of two overall outcomes for our criminal records checks in Canada is possible: cleared or reviewed. The impact of the Basic and Enhanced check findings on the outcome is explained here.
There is no correlation between the outcomes of the Basic and Enhanced inspections. For instance, a candidate’s Enhanced check findings could be Clear while their Basic check results might be Confirmation of a Criminal Record or Incomplete.
This Tabular column explains it clearly,
| Basic check | Enhanced check | Overall result |
|---|---|---|
| Negative | Clear | Cleared |
| Negative | Not Clear | Review |
| Confirmation of a Criminal Record | Clear or Not Clear | Review |
| Incomplete | Clear or Not Clear | Review |
Understanding Negative Results
A Negative Result indicates that some form of criminal record or concerning information has been found during the check. Here’s how to interpret these results:
- Convictions: If the result shows a conviction, it will typically include details such as the type of offense, date, and jurisdiction.
- Charges: There may be pending charges or charges that did not lead to a conviction. These are still relevant for certain roles.
- Vulnerable Sector Findings: For roles involving vulnerable populations, any pardoned offenses related to vulnerable sectors will be highlighted.
Key Sections of the Report
- Personal Information: Confirms the identity of the individual, ensuring the record pertains to the correct person.
- Search Details: Specifies the databases and local records searched during the check.
- Offense Details (if applicable): Provides information on any offenses found, including type, date, and legal outcomes.
- Additional Information: May include notes from law enforcement or the screening service, offering further context on the findings.
Making Sense of the Results
- For Employers: A negative result does not necessarily disqualify a candidate but requires careful consideration of the offense’s relevance to the role.
- For Individuals: Understanding what a negative result entails can help in preparing for discussions with potential employers or clarifying any discrepancies.