The province’s decision to eliminate fees associated with two types of criminal record checks in Ontario has prompted police in Stratford to remind area residents where they need to go to apply for those documents.
The province’s decision to eliminate fees associated with two types of criminal record checks in Ontario has prompted police in Stratford to remind area residents where they need to go to apply for those documents.
The Stratford Police Service offers criminal record checks for volunteer and employment purposes in Stratford, St. Marys and Perth South only, Const. Darren Fischer, the force’s community resource and media relations officer, said in a press release Friday.
“Record checks are always conducted based on the applicant’s address, not the address of the employer or volunteer organization,” Fischer said.
That means Perth County residents in other jurisdictions will need to contact the Ontario Provincial Police.
Ontario recently eliminated the fees for a couple of police record checks commonly required for volunteers. They include Criminal Record Checks (CRCs) and Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Checks (CRJMCs).
“If this is the level of record check required for volunteering, applicants will be asked to upload or provide a letter from the volunteer organization stating that the CRC or CRJMC are one of the levels required for the volunteer position,” Fischer said. “If an applicant is unsure whether their position is considered volunteer, please confirm with the Stratford Police Service prior to filling out an application online as additional payment for the record check will be required if an incorrect application is filled out.”
Fees for other record checks, such as the Police Vulnerable Sector Check, are still required in Ontario. Those types of checks – $25 – are often required for volunteers who interact with children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.
Applications for record checks in Stratford can be found on the city’s website and the Stratford Police Service website. Questions about record check applications can also be answered by calling Stratford police at 519-271-4147 ext. 278.