Fingerprinting: Police Record Check

Civilian fingerprinting is only done to complete a Guelph Police Service issued record check.

Applicants will be notified to attend the Guelph Police Service for fingerprinting to complete a Police Record Check in two circumstances:

  • To confirm convictions that appear on your record
  • For inconclusive results with respect to a Vulnerable Sector Check

Please note: The Guelph Police Service does not offer civilian fingerprinting for other government or private agencies. If you are required to have your fingerprints taken for reasons including but not limited to, obtaining a VISA, obtaining a waiver, or by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, please refer to the RCMP's website. 

Video: Learn what to expect from your fingerprinting appointment

Convictions

Applicants who have a criminal record will be required to submit fingerprints in order for the Guelph Police Service to confirm that a criminal record is held at the Criminal Record Repository of the RCMP.

Inconclusive Results: Vulnerable Sector Check

An inconclusive record (or potential match) can result from an applicant having the same sex and same date of birth as a known pardoned offender.

Process

  1. The Guelph Police Service (GPS) will notify the applicant to advise that fingerprinting is required.
  2. Applicants must set up an appointment with Customer Service.
  3. After fingerprints have been taken, fingerprints are submitted to the RCMP electronically to confirm or refute the potential match.
  4. If fingerprints are taken and results indicate a clear check, the Guelph Police Service will notify the applicant to pick up their record check.
  5. If fingerprints are taken and the RCMP confirms that the applicant has a pardoned offence, the information will be forwarded to the Minister of Public Safety to authorize the disclosure of all or part of the information contained in the file.
  6. When the information is authorized for disclosure by the Minister, the criminal record associated with the applicant's fingerprints will be returned to the Guelph Police Service and will include the pardoned offence information.
  7. At this point, the GPS will be required to obtain the applicant's written consent for disclosure of the record(s).
  8. When the applicant has signed the form giving consent to release the record(s), GPS must forward the information to the requesting agency (employer or volunteer agency).
  9. If the applicant chooses not to disclose their record(s), GPS will contact the requesting agency, in writing, indicating that the GPS was unable to complete the Vulnerable Sector Check.

For more information, please visit the Police Record Check Reform Act.