Free Affidavit with Regard to Police Records Check Template

A police record check is an official document issued by a police service confirming whether you have a criminal record. You typically need a police record check for employment, volunteering, licensing, immigration, and professional registration purposes.

Federally, three types of police record checks exist: Criminal Record Checks, Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Checks, and Vulnerable Sector Checks. Some police services, like the Toronto Police Service, also offer a Broad Record Check in addition to the three federal types.

Criminal Record Check (CRC)

• A screening that shows whether you have criminal convictions or findings of guilt under federal law (e.g., the Criminal Code).
• Commonly requested for general employment, volunteering, housing, or licensing where confirmed convictions are relevant.
• Can disclose criminal convictions, findings of guilt under federal statutes, and certain discharges within legislated disclosure periods (depending on the jurisdiction).

Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check (CRJMC)

• Includes everything in a CRC, plus ongoing court and justice-system matters where permitted (outstanding charges, warrants, probation orders, and other judicial conditions).
• Commonly requested for roles requiring greater trust or responsibility (e.g., finance, regulated roles, government-related roles).
• Can disclose outstanding charges, arrest warrants, probation orders, conditional sentences, and other relevant judicial matters.

Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC)

• The most enhanced type of check used when a role involves authority or trust over vulnerable individuals (e.g., children, seniors, or people with disabilities).
• May include additional information beyond convictions in limited circumstances (e.g., record suspensions for certain sexual offences where legally authorized).
• Commonly required for schools, childcare, healthcare, coaching, and volunteer roles with vulnerable groups.
• May disclose criminal convictions, judicial matters, and in specific circumstances, details related to record suspensions for sexual offences, where legally authorized.

Broad Record Check

• Can include a wider range of police interactions beyond convictions and judicial matters, depending on the issuing police service.
• Typically requested when an organization requires a more comprehensive screening.
• Can disclose criminal convictions, judicial matters, and additional police interactions, depending on the issuing police service’s policies.

See the following sources for further details on federal criminal record information and record suspension guidance.

Police record checks in Canada are typically conducted using a name-based search. That said, fingerprint verification can be required in some circumstances. In such cases, fingerprints are submitted to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) for confirmation through the national criminal records database.

Specifically, fingerprints may be requested when:

• Your name and date-of-birth search produces a possible match
• The police service needs to confirm your identity
• Your criminal record is similar to another individual’s record
• The type of check requires additional screening permitted by law

Fingerprinting can be required for Criminal Record Checks, Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Checks, or Vulnerable Sector Checks. For all three, fingerprinting may be required if a name-based search produces a possible match that must be confirmed.

Here’s why you might need fingerprinting for each of the three main record checks:

CRCs and CRJMC

• Someone shares your name and date of birth
• Police need to verify the accuracy of your identity

Vulnerable Sector Checks

• A potential match appears in the pardoned (record suspended) sexual offence database and needs to be confirmed.
• Police need to verify identity to ensure the accuracy of the screening.

You typically need an Affidavit of Police Record Check when an organization requires confirmation of your criminal record status. This can occur due to the following:

• Your original police record check was lost or destroyed
• You’ve applied for a record check but it’s not ready in time for a deadline
• You are outside Canada and cannot easily obtain one
• You already obtained a clear check and must confirm no changes since it was issued
• A court or tribunal requires sworn confirmation of your police record check’s status or results.

Note: Many government agencies and employers require an official police-issued record check and will not accept an Affidavit as a substitute. Always confirm the organization’s requirements.

An Affidavit of Police Record Check should clearly and accurately state the following:

Personal Information

• Full legal name
• Current address
• Date of birth

Statement Regarding the Police Record Check

• The type of police record check requested
• The police service issuing the check
• The date the check was requested or issued
• The result of the check

Explanation

• Why the original police record check cannot be provided
• What steps you have taken to obtain it

Commissioning

• Confirmation that the information you provided is true
• The date and location of signing
• Your signature (witnessed by a notary or commissioner)
• The signature, name, and seal of a notary public or commissioner of oaths

You typically request a police record check through your local police service. Depending on the jurisdiction, you may be able to apply using the following methods:

• Online
• In person
• By mail

You’ll need to provide government-issued identification, and typically pay a fee. Fees vary depending on the type of check you require and whether you need it for employment or volunteer purposes. Processing times also vary, particularly for cases that require fingerprint verification.

Your Affidavit with Regard to Police Record Check must be commissioned by an authorized official, like a notary public or commissioner of oaths. This is a necessary step, and without it, your Affidavit isn’t valid.

You can meet with a notary online to have your Affidavit commissioned in 7 minutes, from anywhere with a Wi-Fi connection.

How Commissioning Your Affidavit Works

You can commission your Affidavit online through a secure video appointment. During your online notary appointment, the following will take place:

• You’ll present a piece of valid, government-issued ID to verify your identity.
• You’ll swear or affirm that the contents of your Affidavit are true.
• You’ll confirm that you understand the document and are signing voluntarily.
• You’ll sign and date the Affidavit while a notary witnesses in real time.
• A notary signs and applies their official stamp or seal.

To learn more about the commissioning process, check out our guide.

Note: Knowingly providing false information may be considered perjury under Canada’s Criminal Code.