Vulnerable Sector (VS) Checks

St. Albert RCMP are receiving an increase in inquiries related to Criminal Record Checks and Vulnerable Sector Checks.

• Basic Criminal Record Checks can be completed for non-residents.
• Vulnerable Sector Checks cannot be completed for non-residents.
• Vulnerable Sector checks cannot be completed for youth.

Protecting Vulnerable Communities

This process verifies whether an individual has a criminal record as well as any record suspensions (formerly known as pardons) for sexual offences and local police records for information relevant to the VS check.

A VS Check is required for applicants seeking employment and/or volunteering in a position of authority or trust over vulnerable people.  Vulnerable person means a person who, because of his or her age, a disability or other circumstances, whether temporary or permanent, a) is in a position of dependency on others; or b) is otherwise at a greater risk than the general population of being harmed by a person in a position of trust or authority towards them.  Occasionally being in the presence of vulnerable individuals does not constitute a position of trust.  

VS Checks are completed using date of birth and gender only and as a result there is a higher probability that an applicant may be required to provide fingerprints for elimination (i.e. if your date of birth and gender matches someone that has been pardoned for a sexual offence we will take your fingerprints to compare to for elimination purposes – a fingerprint appointment will need to be booked for this service).  The fingerprints are only used by the RCMP to confirm your identity – after we have completed your Vulnerable Sector Check your fingerprints are destroyed, they are not kept on file nor searched for any other purposes.

Please note:  We can only process Vulnerable Sector Searches for adult residents of St. Albert and only one copy of a VS Check can be given per application (as per RCMP policy KOM – ch.28.5, 6.10).  If you reside outside of St. Albert you will need to go to the police force in your jurisdiction to have this service completed (i.e.  If you reside in Edmonton you must go to the Edmonton Police Service for your search).

Associated Costs

Payment for this service can be made by cash, credit card or debit.

VS Checks for volunteer positions may have the fee waived if the applicant is volunteering in the City of St. Albert.  However, the letter provided by the organization must be on their letterhead and have the following information:

• Applicant’s name
• Which of vulnerable children and/or adults the applicant will be working with explaining why these people are classified as Vulnerable Sector
• Verification that the applicant is volunteering and will not receive any remuneration or consideration for their work
• The name and title of the person requiring the check
• Full agency address and phone number

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Related Pages

Criminal Record Checks ›