by Chris Heringer, CEO, Pardon Applications of Canada
In the last article, we took a closer look at the Court records phase of the Pardon application process. But what’s next after the Court phase? The answer is a required Local Police Records check for:
● The city or town where you live now (your current address) AND
● For each city or town where you have lived during the last 5 years (if you lived in that city or
town for 3 months or more).
Why Do I Need to Obtain Local Police Record Check(s) for my Pardon Application?
Obtaining a Local Police Record Check for the area in which you live now, as well as areas you’ve lived during the last 5 years helps the Parole Board ensure that there are no outstanding charges and/or convictions which were not listed on your RCMP fingerprints report. This ensures thoroughness and accuracy when determining your qualification. It is not unusual for the RCMP’s fingerprint report to have incomplete information, or perhaps, a charge is so recent as to have not yet reached the CPIC database, to which the report is based.
How Do I Get a Local Police Record Check?
The good news is that if you have retained Pardon Applications of Canada to complete your application on your behalf, this phase will be entirely done for you. If you are attempting the Pardon application process on your own, you’ll need to contact the local police service for the address where you live now. In the past 5 years, if you have lived at addresses that are different from where you live right now, you must contact each local police service for each address where you lived.
Once you’re in communication with the local police service, show them a copy of your criminal record. The police will complete a local police records check form which is a required element of your application. Each local police records check form must be signed and dated by the local police service, as well as officially sealed (stamped) for authenticity.
Is There a Fee for the Local Police Record Check Phase?
Normally, yes. Each local police service will charge a fee for this service, typically ranging from $25 to $100. Some very small detachments do not charge a fee. In addition to this cost, you’ll need to show 1 current piece of valid government issued ID, and 1 other piece of identification. However, if Pardon Applications of Canada is completing your application on your behalf, this fee is covered.
Do the Local Police Record Checks Expire?
Yes. Each local police record check is only valid for 12 months from the date it was issued. If you submit an expired check with your completed Pardon application to the Parole Board, you will likely be denied.
What if I’ve Lived Outside of Canada Within the Last 5 Years?
You still need to contact the local police service where you lived outside Canada. If the police service outside Canada will not give you a local police records check, a signed letter from the police service stating that you have been of good conduct will be accepted. If it is in a foreign language, you must have it translated to English or French and submit both the original and the translated version with your final application.
We’re approaching the final steps of the Pardon application process. Next we’ll review the measurable benefits portion of the application.
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Chris Heringer is CEO/Chairman of Pardon Applications of Canada, a nationwide processing firm which serves thousands of Canadians yearly in the process to obtain a Canadian Pardon (Record Suspension) and/or U.S. Waiver application. For more information, obtain a free email qualification report or call 1-866-383-9744.
