Criminal Records Check 
To assist you in understanding the timelines associated to certain types of information you will find on records checks, included herein is an explanation of what a summary conviction offence, an indictable offence and a negative police contact are.


Summary Conviction Offence (Searched November 17, 2005 to the “Date Completed” on the Records Check)
A summary conviction criminal offence, quite simply is an offence that is deemed to be a minor or lesser offence in nature. Some examples of common summary conviction offences include causing a disturbance in public, failing to pay a cab fare, soliciting the services of a prostitute, or taking a car for a “joy ride” without the owner’s consent. Summary conviction offences carry a lesser punishment than indictable offences, such as a fine not exceeding $2000.00. These are the types of offences that will not be included in a records check if they occurred prior to November 17, 2005.       


Indictable Offence (Lifetime)
An indictable offence is a more serious offence. It includes all criminal offences that are not summary conviction.  All records checks consist of all indictable offence convictions.


Negative Police Contact (Searched November 17, 2005 to the “Date Completed” on the Records Check)
Local police contact information is released in a Vulnerable Sector Check. This information includes any contact of a negative nature with the police where the applicant was not convicted of a criminal offence. Examples of incidents that could, depending upon the circumstances, be considered negative contact include; incidents where the person was arrested and released without being charged, warned for a criminal offence, suspected of a criminal offence, apprehended under the Mental Health Act, charged for trespassing or being intoxicated in a public place, directly involved in a domestic dispute or other dispute, or has threatened to do harm to themselves. This information will only be included in a Vulnerable Sector Check if it occurred since November 17, 2005. 

(Clearance / Statement Letter)

What is it? The Criminal Records Check is a search of RCMP national databases. The possible existence of criminal convictions and outstanding charges will be considered for release. This search is NOT intended for individuals seeking employment and/or a volunteer position with children or vulnerable person(s).

Information for Release The following information contained in police databases may be considered for release:

• Outstanding entries (i.e., charged & wanted persons)
• Records of criminal convictions, as the records exist of the date of the search    
• Findings of guilt where a pardon has not been granted

This search does not include local police contacts, provincial offences or convictions from outside the Region where the person was not fingerprinted (summary offences).

Please refer to Records Check-Information Reported for further information.

Can I apply? You must live in the Region of Waterloo or your employer, volunteer agency or education provider must be located in the Region.

How much? $30.00 per application. $60.00 for a criminal records check and a set of fingerprints.

How Long? Criminal Records checks are processed while you wait if you have no convictions or charges, otherwise, it is processed in approximately three weeks. It will take longer if the R.C.M.P. requests confirmation of identity through fingerprints.

Fingerprinting is done on Tuesday and Thursday by appointment only. Get details.

Where to apply? This service is available at police headquarters. Get details.
Acceptable identification is required. Get details .