Non-Emergency 604-525-5411

Emergency 9-1-1

Police Information Check

Update on Applications

The NWPD is continuing to process Police Information Checks during the COVID-19 pandemic. Please note that if your application requires fingerprinting, this will require you to book an appointment. Your application will be returned to you and a refund will be issued on your original payment method.

Please be advised that we are experiencing an increase in Police Information Check and Taxi Permit applications. Normal processing time is 2-4 weeks and we are working diligently to process each application as quickly as possible. In order to assist us with this process we are requesting applicants refrain from contacting the NWPD to check the status, until 4 weeks after your application has been submitted.


How to apply for a Police Information Check

The New Westminster Police Department now offers the ability for individuals to apply for a Police Information Check online through our website. The link below performs best using Google Chrome, Safari, or Firefox.

If you are ready to apply click: APPLY ONLINE

You will be charged once the application has been completed and the results will be mailed for applications with the Vulnerable Sector (PIC-VS) and emailed for Non-Vulnerable Sector (PIC).

If you have any difficulty in completing or using the Online Application process please contact the New Westminster Police Department at 604-525-5411 between 8:00am and 4:00pm Monday to Friday.

In person Police Information Check applications will be accepted only for exceptional reasons and on a case-by-case basis.

Types of Police Information Checks

The New Westminster Police Department offers two types of Police Information Checks:

  • Police Information Check (PIC)
  • Police Information Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening (PIC-VS)

The New Westminster Police Department follows the British Columbia Guide for Police Information Checks to ensure all Police Information Checks are processed at a consistent standard. Applicants, Employers and Organizations should click on the link below for further information to ensure they understand the requirements and process for each type of check:

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/justice/criminal-justice/policing-in-bc/publications-statistics-legislation/publications/police-information-checks-guidelines-for-police

Police Information Check – Non-Vulnerable Sector (PIC)

It is a collection of offence information, including convictions, outstanding warrants, charges and judicial orders available from a local police agency’s records management system and other systems/records where authorized.

This check is intended for applicants who are seeking employment and/or volunteer opportunities with agencies who require a police information check. The agency has determined that a search of sex offenders with a record suspension is NOT required (e.g., border crossing or visa) therefore this check is NOT intended for applicants who are seeking employment and/or volunteer opportunities with vulnerable persons.

Police Information Check – Vulnerable Sector (PIC-VS)

This check is restricted to applicants seeking employment and/or volunteer positions responsible for vulnerable persons. The New Westminster Police Department provides this service to residents of the City of New Westminster only. This product is a collection of offence information, including convictions, outstanding warrants, charges, judicial orders, non-convictions and adverse police contact information available from a local police agency’s records management system and other systems/records where authorized. This check will include sexual offence convictions for which the individual has received a record suspension, subject to authorization by the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness.

Fingerprinting Requirement

For both types of Police Information Checks, if the applicant has a similar or exact name, date of birth and gender which matches someone with a criminal record then the applicant will have to submit fingerprints to the RCMP in Ottawa to verify the applicant’s identity before the check can be completed. The New Westminster Police Department will notify an applicant if fingerprints are required. See our Fingerprinting section for additional information and how to schedule a fingerprint appointment.

Fees

The fees below apply to the Police Information Checks and are charged at the end of your online application. Payments can be made by Visa and Mastercard. These fees are effective January 1, 2022.

Police Information Check (PIC) $78.00*
Police information Check – Vulnerable Sector (VS) $78.00*
Police Information Check (PIC) – Volunteer $22.00
Police information Check – Vulnerable Sector (VS) – Volunteer $22.00

 

*An additional fee of $25.00 may be required if the applicant needs to be fingerprinted to confirm their identity.

Information for volunteer applicants

All volunteer applicants must have a letter from the agency you are volunteering with. The letter must be on agency letterhead from the organization requesting the Police Information Check or Police Information Check with Vulnerable Sector screening. We will not conduct the Vulnerable Sector screening unless it is clearly stated on your letter and describes your position with the vulnerable sector. The letter must include:

  • Agency letter head
  • Applicant’s name
  • Whether the applicant will be responsible for or have authority over vulnerable persons
  • Verification that the applicant is volunteering a service or if it is for employment
  • The name and title of the person requiring the Police Information Check, as well as the full agency address and phone number

Accepted forms of Identification

We require two pieces of current, government-issued identification, one of which must have a current photo. Identification must be presented in person.

Accepted forms of Identification:

  • Valid driver’s licence
  • Social Insurance Card
  • Firearms License
  • Health Care Card (must be separate from drivers licence)
  • Valid BC Identification Card
  • Valid Passport
  • Valid permanent residency card
  • Birth certificate
  • Valid citizenship card
  • Valid native status card
  • Valid Nexus

*Please note the new BC Services Card, introduced in February 2013, combines the BC driver’s licence and Care Card. The card is considered ONE form of identification and you will need to still bring a second piece of identification.

If your identification does not include your New Westminster address, you must provide proof of residency (bank statement or utility bill that is in your name).

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