The guidelines are designed to disclose only information that is consistent with the needs of the sector in which the requestor seeks to work. Thus, they differ for those seeking to work with children and vulnerable adults, versus those seeking work outside the vulnerable sector. The guidelines are available online at: www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/criminal-records-review/

B.C. police leaders were actively involved in developing the model guidelines, which all of the province's police agencies have endorsed. The agencies received the final guidelines in October for review and adoption.

The Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner (OIPC) has reviewed and supports the guidelines, which were developed following that office's April 2014 report expressing concern about the extent of information disclosed in police information checks.

Police information checks are conducted for many organizations with employees or volunteers, such as private-sector employers. These organizations may make their own arrangements, through their local police or RCMP detachment, to conduct police information checks for background screening checks.

Media Contact:

Government Communications and Public Engagement Ministry of Justice
250 213-3602