RCMP announces faster processing of Vulnerable Sector Checks in Alberta

Airdrie, AB - Albertans who live in smaller communities can now expect faster processing times for Criminal and Vulnerable Sector Checks. Today, Deputy Commissioner Dale McGowan, Commanding Officer of “K” Division RCMP announced the recent installation of 20 LiveScan Real Time Identification Devices (RTID) at strategically located RCMP detachments throughout the province. The devices allow for the electronic submission of fingerprints to the RCMP’s national Fingerprinting Screening Service, which can reduce processing times for most Vulnerable Sector Checks (VSC) from 120 to three days. Funding for the LiveScan initiative was provided by the Province of Alberta and the Government of Canada under the Provincial Police Service Agreement.

“Given the important role volunteers play in our communities, all Albertans benefit when their security checks are processed as swiftly as possible,” said Deputy Commissioner Dale McGowan, Commanding Officer “K” Division. “Installation of these new LiveScan devices means that all Albertans - even those living in smaller communities - are now only a drive away from access to faster service.”

Applicants must still initiate their Vulnerable Sector Check at their local RCMP detachment or police service of jurisdiction. If fingerprints are required, they now have the option of travelling to a LiveScan location. It is anticipated that increased LiveScan use will reduce the number of paper-based fingerprint submissions, resulting in faster processing times for applicants who choose not to travel to a LiveScan location.

“The LiveScan devices enable volunteers to quickly begin serving our communities,” said Jonathan Denis, Alberta Solicitor General and Minister of Public Security. “Those being assisted now have peace of mind knowing the person helping them has been verified by a Vulnerable Sector Check.”

The LiveScan initiative is in response to the service delivery challenges imposed by the 2010 enhancements to screening processes that made fingerprints mandatory for Vulnerable Sector Checks (VSC) if an applicant’s gender and date of birth matched that of a pardoned sex offender. This new requirement saw paper-based fingerprint submissions related to VSCs climb from 130 to 8000 per month, and resulted in longer processing times for many applicants who work or volunteer with the vulnerable sector.

Employers and volunteer organizations must consider the processing times for record checks when establishing their risk management strategies.

Additional information, on Criminal Record Checks and Vulnerable Sector Checks, including estimated processing times and fees, is available at www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cr-cj/index-eng.htm.

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Sgt. Patrick Webb
403-869-7267