RCMP are encouraging employers and those seeking their own personal record checks to know what is needed before submitting a request. It's important to know the difference between the various types of checks. It is an offence to conduct a vulnerable sector check if the position does not meet the requirements of the Criminal Records Act .
Before asking your employees to obtain a criminal record or vulnerable sector check make sure it is required for the job. RCMP will use information submitted by the applicant to determine if the position meets the legal requirements to conduct a vulnerable sector check. If the position does not meet the requirements of the Criminal Records Act for a vulnerable sector check, it is illegal for the police service to conduct one.
Some good points to remember are:
Employers: According to Public Safety Canada, your clients are vulnerable if they can't "protect, defend, or assert themselves, permanently or temporarily." This could be because of age, a disability, or the person's current circumstances. Someone is vulnerable when they depend on other people, or they are at greater risk for being harmed by someone in authority or trust. If you run a nursing home for senior citizens or a daycare for young children, you work with a vulnerable population.
The government only allows you to request vulnerable sector checks for specific positions. Does the job put a person in a position of authority or trust in relation to a vulnerable person? This includes: the power to make decisions, unsupervised access, a relationship that requires closeness, personal activities, such as bathing or health care.
Vulnerable sector checks cannot and will not be done simply because you feel it is a means to protect your clients. They are not proof of good character and they are only accurate in providing information at the time the check is conducted.
A vulnerable sector check request can only be made by the employer (if required) and must be done in writing with a specific explanation of how the applicants' duties place them in a position of authority or trust with vulnerable persons.
Detailed information can be found online here.
Police do not want to turn people away from the request, but knowing what you need and what your employees need before you drop into a police office will go a long way towards making sure everyone gets the appropriate checks for the work being done.
If you have questions, contact your local detachment - contact information can be found here