When it comes to background screening, knowing which type of check you need can be critical. Two common types of police record verifications are the Criminal Record Check (CRC) and the Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check (CRJMC). Although they may seem similar at first glance, they serve different purposes and contain varying depths of information. In this post, we’ll define each type, discuss their scope and processing requirements, compare their differences, and explain when to use each check.
1. Introduction
Before diving into the details, it’s important to understand the basics:
Criminal Record Check (CRC): A standard check that searches national and local police databases (such as the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) managed by the RCMP) for any criminal convictions. It is often used for general employment, immigration, and volunteer positions where a basic verification of criminal history is sufficient.
Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check (CRJMC): An enhanced version of the CRC that not only reviews convictions but also includes outstanding charges, warrants, judicial orders, peace bonds, probation and prohibition orders, as well as certain discharge types. In CRJMC in Ontario, for example, this check is frequently used when applying for high-trust roles in the security industry.
Whether you’re looking to CRJMC online or wondering how to CRJMC apply online for your background verification, understanding these distinctions is crucial for meeting legal and industry standards.
2. Criminal Record Check (CRC)
What It Covers
Scope of Information: The CRC primarily covers:
Criminal convictions (both summary and indictable) as recorded in CPIC and local police databases.
Findings of guilt under the Youth Criminal Justice Act within the applicable disclosure period.
Purpose: Used for routine employment screening, immigration applications, and volunteer positions that do not involve direct contact with vulnerable sectors.
When It’s Typically Required
General Employment: For jobs in industries such as retail, banking, trades, and administrative roles.
Immigration: Often required as part of the visa or permanent residency application process.
Basic Volunteer Positions: For roles that do not involve caring for or working with vulnerable populations.
Processing Time and Procedures
Application Process: Applicants usually need to provide government-issued identification (with one photo ID and one supporting ID).
Turnaround Time: Processing times can be as short as three business days if no records are found, though some cases may take longer if manual verification (e.g., fingerprinting) is required.
3. CRJMC
(Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check)
Scope of the Check
Enhanced Information: The CRJMC includes all the details provided by a CRC and extends further by disclosing:
Outstanding entries such as charges, warrants, and judicial orders.
Peace bonds, probation orders, and prohibition orders.
Absolute and conditional discharges (typically for one to three years).
Findings Under Youth Legislation: It also includes findings of guilt under the Youth Criminal Justice Act within the applicable period.
Judicial Matters Check: In other words, the judicial matters check aspect ensures that employers have a comprehensive view of an individual’s legal status.
Additional Details and Requirements
Security and Licensing: The CRJMC check for security license is often required for positions in the security industry, municipal licensing, or other roles where employers need a more comprehensive background check. For example, if you are pursuing a CRJMC for security guard license, you may be required to undergo this enhanced screening. This is especially relevant if you need a CRJMC in Ontario for security license.
Not for Vulnerable Sectors: Although the CRJMC provides more detailed information than a CRC, it is not intended for roles that involve working directly with vulnerable populations; in those cases, a vulnerable sector check is appropriate.
Application Requirements: The process for applying is similar to that for a CRC in terms of identification and, when needed, fingerprinting. Many applicants choose to CRJMC apply online for convenience, particularly in settings where a CRJMC in Ontario for security license is required.
4. Key Differences Between CRC and CRJMC
Depth of Information
CRC: Focuses solely on past criminal convictions and a summary of any relevant findings.
CRJMC: Provides a deeper dive into an individual’s criminal and judicial history by including:
Current outstanding charges and warrants.
Judicial orders and specific discharge types.
Additional layers of verification for cases that require heightened scrutiny.
Processing Requirements
CRC: Generally processed quickly with standard identification checks.
CRJMC: May require extra steps (such as fingerprinting) if there is potential ambiguity or if the role demands a high level of trust.
Cost Comparison
CRC: Tends to be more cost-effective and is typically used for routine checks.
CRJMC: Often comes at a higher cost due to the increased level of detail and additional administrative work required.
5. When to Use Each Type
Industry-Specific Requirements
General Employment/Immigration: A CRC is usually sufficient for jobs that do not involve vulnerable populations or high-risk positions.
Security and Licensing: If you’re applying for a security role or require a CRJMC check for security license, the CRJMC for security guard license is typically recommended. This is especially true in settings where you need a CRJMC in Ontario for security license from an authorized provider.
Volunteer Positions: For volunteer roles that involve minimal responsibility or exposure to vulnerable groups, a CRC may be acceptable. However, if the role involves significant trust or authority (but still not with vulnerable persons), a CRJMC might be preferred by the hiring agency.
Employment Considerations
For Employers: It’s important to understand the legal requirements for the position. Employers in sectors like transportation, security, or municipal services may specify that applicants provide a CRJMC for enhanced due diligence.
For Applicants: Choosing the right check can help avoid delays in hiring or licensing. Always verify with the requesting agency which type of check is needed before applying—whether that means a basic CRC or a comprehensive judicial matters check via CRJMC online services.
6. Conclusion
In summary, while both the Criminal Record Check (CRC) and the Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check (CRJMC) serve to verify an individual’s criminal history, they differ significantly in depth, processing requirements, and cost. The CRC is a straightforward check suitable for general employment, immigration, and volunteer purposes, whereas the CRJMC provides a more detailed review—ideal for roles requiring a higher level of trust. For instance, if you need a CRJMC check for security license or are applying for a security guard role, ensure you select the CRJMC for security guard license option and consider applying via CRJMC online to streamline your process.
Guidance for Choosing the Right Check:
Ask the Employer/Agency: Always confirm the type of check required for the position.
Consider the Role’s Requirements: If the job demands extra transparency (e.g., security or municipal licensing), opt for the CRJMC.
Plan Ahead: Given that CRJMCs may take longer and cost more, ensure you have ample time to complete the process before your job application or licensing deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. What is a Criminal Record Check (CRC)?
A CRC is a basic background screening that looks up criminal convictions from national and local police databases. It’s commonly used for routine employment, immigration, and volunteer positions.
Q2. What additional information does a CRJMC provide?
A CRJMC goes beyond the CRC by including outstanding charges, warrants, judicial orders, and specific discharge types (absolute and conditional). It offers a more comprehensive look at an individual’s criminal and judicial history—often referred to as a judicial matters check.
Q3. Which check should I choose for a security job?
For security roles or municipal licensing, a CRJMC check for security license is typically required because of its in-depth review of an individual’s background. If you are applying for a security guard position, a CRJMC for security guard license is often preferred.
Q4. Can I use a CRJMC for positions involving vulnerable populations?
No. Neither a CRC nor a CRJMC is appropriate for positions with vulnerable populations. For those roles, a vulnerable sector check is specifically required.
Q5. How long do these checks take to process?
Processing times vary. A basic CRC can sometimes be completed in as few as three business days, while a CRJMC may take longer—especially if additional verification (like fingerprinting) is needed.
Q6. Are there significant cost differences between the two checks?
Yes. CRCs are generally more cost-effective due to their narrower scope. CRJMCs tend to be more expensive because they involve a deeper search and additional administrative steps.
Q7. What documents do I need to apply for either check?
Typically, you will need two pieces of government-issued identification (one with a photograph and one supporting document). In some cases, additional documents such as proof of residence may be required, particularly when processing a CRJMC in Ontario.
Knowing the difference between a CRC and a CRJMC helps you and your potential employer choose the right check. Need a CRJMC online or a full CRJMC for an Ontario security license? This guide streamlines your hiring or licensing process and ensures you meet legal requirements.