Police/Public Agency Web Services

Canadian Firearms Program

• Firearms Reporting Service
• Public Agency Identification Number (PAIN) Service
• Online help
• Browser requirements
• Information Security
• Where do I go if I have questions about this service?

Firearms Reporting Service

Proceed to the secure site for reporting firearms

Public Agency Identification Number (PAIN) Service

Request a Public Agency Identification Number (PAIN) if you do not have one

NOTE: If available, RCMP Secure Portal may be used to access PWS

Proceed to the secure site for requesting a PAIN

Online help

On line help is provided for all of these services through the menu at the top of every screen.

Browser requirements

To access the secure web site you must use a Web browser that supports SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) with 128-bit 'strong' encryption.

The secure web site is best viewed with:

• 128-bit Microsoft Internet Explorer® (version 5.x or higher)
• Online applications that make use of GC Key (formerly Access Key) are best viewed with Internet Explorer (IE), versions 7 and up.
• The site is not optimized for use with Windows 8; users experiencing loss of functionality with Windows 8 should switch to machines running Windows 7 or lower.

Individuals can link directly to these sites to upgrade your version of browser software.

Information Security

Is my information secure?
The Canadian Firearms Information System web site uses the Entrust SSL Security Solution which provides secure e-commerce on the Internet. Through its Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) Web certificates, the solution identifies a Web site and encrypts communications between the browser and Web server. The Entrust SSL Security Solution delivers strong Web SSL security, trusted verification of the Web site's identity and 128-bit SSL data encryption during browser to Web server transmission. This is based on the same technology as numerous internet banking sites and offers a high level of security.

Individual and business clients are further protected by PIN and BIN passwords to access their data. There are processes in place to detect hackers and prevent them from breaking into your information. In addition image verification security has been added to some areas of the web site to enhance an already secure service.

Why can't I access the online service?
Encrypted connections are accepted using TLS 1.0 only. If your encryption is invalid, errors may include "error 401 - unauthorized", “Page cannot be displayed” or “Page cannot be found”.

To update your SSL encryption, please follow these instructions:

1. From your Internet Explorer web browser
2. Under the Menu Bar select/click ‘TOOLS’
3. Select/click ‘Internet Options’
4. Select/click ‘Advanced’ tab (If this option is missing, it has been locked or disabled. Contact your LAN Admin/Helpdesk)
5. Scroll down in the list of checkboxes to:
1. (use SSL2.0)
2. (use SSL3.0)
3. (use TLS1.0)
6. Ensure all three are selected
7. Exit with OK/Apply changes

Where do I go if I have questions about this service?

• E-mail: PWS_SWASP@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
• Telephone: from anywhere in Canada or the United States by calling
  1-800-731-4000 extension 1045, Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time)