Processing Time: How long does it take to process a PIC?
While we make every effort to complete PICs in a timely matter, we are unable to provide an exact processing time. Processing times can vary depending on a variety of factors: whether any follow up with another police service is required, files need to be reviewed, fingerprinting needs to be completed, or the volume of PICs received.
Local Police Record Check: I need to complete a Local Police Record Check for record suspension (pardon) application, is it the same as a PIC?
No - a Local Police Record Check for a Record Suspension (pardon) is not the same as a Police Information Check (PIC). A Local Police Record Check (LPRC) for a Record Suspension is a specific requirement set by the Parole Board of Canada (PBC) as part of the federal application process. Please click here for more information on LPRCs.
The authentication process requires an established Canadian credit history (e.g., credit cards, loans, cell phone accounts, chequing accounts, car loans). Questions are generated from your TransUnion credit file.
Authentication may fail due to:
Incorrect answers
No or limited credit history
Being new to Canada
Navigating away from the page or session timeout
Not answering timed questions quickly enough
Authentication failures can indicate that your credit file needs updating. Contact TransUnion if you believe your information is inaccurate. To review or correct your credit file, request your personal credit report from TransUnion:
They can explain any information after verifying your identity.
Should you fail the online authentication you will be required to upload 2 pieces of ID for manual authentication – please monitor your email for messages from [email protected].
It’s been longer than 90 days since my Police Information Check was completed, why can’t I access my results?
Your Police Information Certificate is only available in the system for 90 days from the date it was completed. Police Information Checks are a picture in time and have the potential to change in the future. To maintain a balance between convenience and public safety the results will only be available for 90 days.
We recommend you download and save a copy so you can continue to access it after it is no longer available in the system.
I forgot my username for my account, what can I do?
Please use the "Forgot Username?" link on the Secure Login page or in the upper right corner of the Police Solutions website. To retrieve your username, you will need your email address and the answer to one of the Security Questions you selected when you registered your account. Please note we have multiple sites and if you have registered in one and require a different kind of check you will need to register a separate account on each site.
How long is a police information check valid? Is there an expiry date?
Police information checks are only valid on the day they are issued. The police do not determine an expiry date; it is up to the agency/employer to decide how long they are willing to accept a police information check.
We stress that you make your choice carefully as we do not provide refunds or exchanges. If you are in doubt, the agency/employer should be able to tell you what type of police information check they require for the position.
I do not have a specific agency requiring the Police Information Check. Can I apply online for personal reasons?
The Police Information Check requires a reason when applying for a check. Applications for personal reasons will not be processed and refunds will not be provided.
I have a criminal record. Can I still apply for a Police Information Check?
Yes, your criminal record will show on your result letter. During the application process, you can fill out a “Self-Declaration form” – this is where you will be able to list your criminal convictions, pending charges etc. Once your police information check is processed, we will confirm the information you provided on your self declaration form and send your letter to your mailing address. The onus is on you to share this letter with the agency.
If you choose not to fill out the Self Declaration form, you will receive an email requesting you to set up an appointment and attend the Westwinds location to obtain your Police Information Check results letter.
