Special Topics & Resources
What is a Vulnerable Sector Search?
Where Can I Get a Vulnerable Sector Search in Calgary, Alberta?
Fingerprinting service has been privatized in Calgary. That means for MOST cases, you must go to a private fingerprinting agency (like ours) for most of your fingerprint services. However, you must go to the Calgary Police Service to get a vulnerable sector search. Do not go to a private fingerprinting agency for a Vulnerable Sector Search.
For more information about the Calgary Police Vulnerable Sector Search click here:
You may also download and print the Calgary Police Service instructions here:
What is a Vulnerable Sector Search?
This question is answered in great detail by the RCMP. Their definition of a vulnerable sector search is as follows:
“A vulnerable sector check is an enhanced criminal record check. This type of record check was created in 2000 to protect children and vulnerable persons and is governed by section 6.3(3) of the Criminal Records Act. Policies and procedures related to vulnerable sector checks can be found in the Dissemination of Criminal Record Information policy and the Ministerial Directive Concerning the Release of Criminal Record Information by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.”
Vulnerable sector checks are used to verify if an individual has a Record Suspension (formerly Pardon) for sex offenses. They also include checks of national databases maintained by the RCMP and local police records where the applicant lives. The search may also include a review of whether a person has past offences such as theft or violence towards a vulnerable person.
For more frequently asked questions about a vulnerable sector search, go to the RCMP website here:
Who are vulnerable people?
Vulnerable members are persons who, permanently or temporarily, are in a position of dependence on others and include children, elderly, disabled, and sick people. Often, vulnerable sector searches are required by people working or volunteering in daycares, schools, hospitals, shelters for homeless people or shelters providing care for abused spouses and children. Vulnerabilities arise due to age, disabilities or any other circumstances in which they are at a greater risk than the general population of being harmed by someone in a position of authority.
Who decides a vulnerable check is necessary?
The organization that recruits employees or volunteers to work with vulnerable persons is responsible for requesting this type of request. When requesting a vulnerable sector search, some important information usually expected is:
- the role the applicant will have with vulnerable persons;
- if the applicant will have unsupervised access to vulnerable persons; or
- frequency and length of time the applicant will spend with vulnerable persons.
The organization will typically provide the employee or volunteer with a letter specifically asking for a vulnerable sector search. If you have a letter requesting you to get a background check and there is no mention of “vulnerable sector” then there is a good chance a regular background check will be suitable for your purpose. If there is no mention of ‘vulnerable sector search’ in your letter and you believe you will be working with vulnerable people, it is a good idea to confirm with the organization that you are getting the proper background check.
Services Provided by Canadian Legal Resource Centre Inc.
- Ink and Digital Fingerprinting Services (excluding Vulnerable Sector Searches);
- Uncontested Divorces and Legal Separation Agreements;
- Record Suspensions (Pardons) and U.S. Waivers of Inadmissibility
- Commissioner for Oaths
Also available at our location, by appointment: Notary Services, Lawyer Services, and Passport Photographs.
About the Canadian Legal Resource Centre Inc.
- We are one of the longest-running fingerprint agents in Canada. We’ve been fingerprinting since 1995.
- We are RCMP Accredited and Certified Fingerprint Agency.
- We’ve won the Consumer Choice Awards.
- We assist with a variety of paralegal services.
- We have helped over 30,000 people since 1995.
- We pride ourselves on providing fantastic customer care.
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