OPP police record check process back to detachments

UPDATE OCT 2: – The OPP is currently experiencing an extremely high volume of police record check requests. In order to effectively meet the demand and process the volume of checks as expeditiously as possible, the OPP is temporarily transferring the criminal record check process back to detachments while an enhanced online central intake and payment model is finalized.

To facilitate this transition, as of Oct. 2, 2020, the current online account will no longer be accepting applications. Effective Oct. 5,  members of the public who require a criminal record check, and who have not already submitted a request online, are asked to contact their local OPP detachment to set up an appointment. Please refer to OPP detachments on opp.ca to find your nearest detachment.

Please note that cash is the only accepted currency and the exact amount for each record check is required.

The cost for a criminal record check for employment purposes is $41. The OPP does not charge for checks for volunteer purposes. The fee for a duplicate copy is $11. If fingerprints are required there is an additional fee of $90.

Applicants who have already submitted a criminal record check online will be contacted by their local OPP detachment and provided further information. Applications will continue to be processed in the order they are received and applicants are asked not to resubmit a new application. Duplicate applications will only continue to add to the volume and processing times.

SEPT. 22 – Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the OPP is experiencing a high volume of police record check requests. Current processing times are four to six weeks.

Provincial media relations co-ordinator Kerry Schmidt states the OPP is working on improving the technical capacities of the current system, as well as increasing the number of staff members processing the applications.

“In order to limit contact and reduce the risk of COVID-19, the OPP is only accepting applications electronically and fees must be paid by credit card,” he said in a news release. “Applicants may be required to attend their local OPP detachment if fingerprinting is required. Applicants will be contacted by their local detachment to arrange for payment, provide identification and to obtain their results.”

Schmidt offers two additional options for attaining record checks:

A third party vendor can complete a Criminal Record Check (CRC) or a Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check for anyone in Canada for a fee.

“These third party vendors may be able to offer a reduced timeline. Please speak to your employer/agency to ascertain if this option would be acceptable,” said Schmidt. “The OPP does not charge for checks for volunteer purposes, but should your volunteer check be urgent, the third party vendor check may be a time sensitive option.”

He notes the OPP does not endorse or promote the third party check, and a private check may not meet the organization’s requirements.

“It is important to note that if you require a Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) and you reside within the OPP’s jurisdiction, RCMP policy dictates that the OPP must complete the check.”

Regarding the OPP Vulnerable Sector Check, he states some organizations may have the ability to request a self-declaration of criminal convictions.

“Check with the employer/agency requesting the VSC to determine if this temporary measure would be acceptable, until the police record check can be completed in its entirety. This may be especially applicable in urgent circumstances. The OPP cannot provide self-declaration forms, please ask the employer/agency for assistance.”