Police Record Check Reform Act
The Police Record Checks Reform Act establishes consistent standards for how police record checks are conducted and what information may be disclosed across Ontario.
The Act standardizes the types of police record checks and limits the information that can be released for employment and volunteer screening purposes.
Who is this for?
This information is intended for individuals applying for a police record check and organizations requesting record checks for employment or volunteer purposes.
Standardized record check types
The Act standardizes three types of police record checks that may be conducted in Ontario:
- Criminal Record Check
- Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check
- Vulnerable Sector Check
It also establishes rules regarding what information can be disclosed as part of each check.
| Previous Name | New Name |
|---|---|
| Police Criminal Record Check | Criminal Record Check |
| Police Information Check | Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check |
| Police Vulnerable Sector Check | Vulnerable Sector Check |
Additional information
Volunteer fee exemption
As of April 1, 2022, amendments to the Police Record Checks Reform Act eliminated fees for volunteers applying for Criminal Record Checks and Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Checks.
Fees continue to apply for Vulnerable Sector Checks, which require more comprehensive screening.
Disclosure limitations
The Police Record Checks Reform Act limits the disclosure of non-conviction information. Such information is only released where it meets the criteria under the Exceptional Disclosure Assessment.
Exceptional disclosure
In limited circumstances, non-conviction information may be disclosed following an Exceptional Disclosure Assessment. This assessment considers the nature of the incident, the relevance of the information and the potential risk to vulnerable persons.
Disclosure of youth records
Youth records may only be disclosed:
- To the youth themselves. The youth must remove any findings of guilt and is not permitted to further disclose the results
- To a federal, provincial or municipal government agency for employment or service purposes
What this means for applicants
Youth records cannot be disclosed to non-government organizations. Police services are not permitted to release the existence of, or any information contained in, a youth record to these organizations.
Organizations cannot request youth record information from applicants.
What is a government agency?
Government agencies include:
- Federal departments
- Provincial ministries
- Municipal departments
Police Record Checks
Criminal Record Check
Police Record Checks
Criminal Record Check and Judicial Matters Check
Police Record Checks