Understanding Canadian Criminal Record Check Results: Basic, Enhanced & Overall Outcomes

Understanding the Results of Canadian Criminal Record Checks

Basic Check Results

A Basic Check primarily searches the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) database for any criminal convictions.

What to Expect

Negative

If the check yields a negative result, both of the following usually hold true:

  • There were no criminal convictions disclosed by the candidate.
  • No criminal convictions turned up during our investigation.

Confirmation of a Criminal Record

  • The applicant said that they had been convicted of one or more crimes.
  • We verified the candidate’s disclosure of convictions and found it to be accurate.

Incomplete

When the check gives an incomplete result, one of the following usually holds true:

  • Despite the candidate’s denial of any criminal convictions, our investigation turned up one or more.
  • The candidate revealed having one or more convictions; however, our investigation turned up convictions that didn’t match what the candidate said.
  • The applicant revealed prior convictions, but some details (name, date, court) do not match our records.
  • We were unable to finish our check using the candidate’s name and birthdate; a fingerprint check is advised.
  • The applicant stated convictions, but our investigation turned up nothing.

Enhanced Check Results

An Enhanced Check goes beyond the CPIC database to include local police records and, if applicable, a Vulnerable Sector Check.

What to Expect

Clear Result: If the outcome is Clear, no records were found.

Not Clear Result: If the outcome is Not Clear, you may see:

  • Summary conviction offenses
  • Pending charges
  • Conditional and absolute discharges
  • Wanted or accused person information
  • Pending probation, court orders, undertakings, release conditions
  • Restorative justice diversions
  • Persons of special interest
  • Deportation orders
  • CBSA illegal entry charges
  • Stayed charges

Overall Check Results

Overall outcomes in Canada are either Cleared or Review. They depend on the combination of your Basic and Enhanced findings.

Basic CheckEnhanced CheckOverall Result
NegativeClearCleared
NegativeNot ClearReview
Confirmation of a Criminal RecordClear or Not ClearReview
IncompleteClear or Not ClearReview

Understanding Negative Results

A Negative Result indicates that concerning information was found. Common types include:

  • Convictions: Offense type, date, jurisdiction.
  • Charges: Pending charges without conviction.
  • Vulnerable Sector Findings: Pardoned offenses related to vulnerable populations.

Key Sections of the Report

  • Personal Information: Verifies identity.
  • Search Details: Lists databases and sources.
  • Offense Details: Describes any findings.
  • Additional Notes: Context from law enforcement or the screening service.

Making Sense of the Results

  • For Employers: A negative result doesn’t automatically disqualify; evaluate relevance to the role.
  • For Individuals: Use these insights to prepare for employer discussions and clarify discrepancies.

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