You must be a resident of Woodstock, Ontario to request a record check with the Woodstock Police Service.
How to Apply
Applications can be submitted:
- Online
- In person at the Woodstock Police Service
- Broad Record Checks must be completed in person only
- In-person applications are accepted Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
at 615 Dundas Street, Woodstock, Ontario.
Types of Record Checks Available
- Criminal Record Check
- Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check (includes Criminal Record Check)
- Vulnerable Sector Check (includes Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check)
- Broad Record Check (available only under the Child, Youth and Family Services Act)
Please note: Processing times may be longer depending on the level of check requested.
Special Requirements
Broad Record Checks
- Require a letter from the requesting organization outlining the role or position.
Vulnerable Sector Checks
- Require a letter explaining how the applicant will be in direct care or responsible for vulnerable individuals.
Non-Parent Applicants (Decision-Making Responsibility)
- Must apply in person
- Will receive a Criminal Record Check with Judicial Matters
- Must bring the completed Consent Form for Police Record Check for Non-Parent Applicants for Decision-Making Responsibility form.
You must provide one piece of government-issued photo identification along with proof of residency in the City of Woodstock.
How long will it take to process my record check?
Most record checks can be completed within 10 business days. Processing times may take longer if you have a criminal record or if you have resided outside of Woodstock in the last 5 years. Broad Record Checks may take up to 30 days to process.
How will I receive the results of my record check?
Results will be sent to you via email (with a link to your completed record check) within 10 business days. Your record check results are intended to be shared electronically. Broad Record checks will be provided in a printed format.
What Identification is acceptable?
The following is a list of items that are considered acceptable forms of identification:
- Passport
- Driver’s license
- Birth Certificate
- Canadian Citizenship Card
- Permanent Resident Card
- Certificate of Indian Status
- Immigration Documents (i.e. work or study permits)
- Military Family ID card (MFID)
- Record of Landing for Citizenship Applicant
- Certificate of Live Birth
- Nexus card
- Ontario Identification Card
- Photo Health Card
- You may be required to provide a recent utility bill with your address on it.
What payment methods are accepted?
Debit, Visa and MasterCard are acceptable methods of payment. Exact cash can be accepted for in person applications.
What are the hours for getting a record check in person?
The Records Department is open Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 6:00pm. The office is closed on all statutory holidays.
Can I get a record check if I am under 18 years old?
You can apply for a record check if you are applying to volunteer or for employment with a government agency (municipal, provincial or federal). A letter from the government agency is needed.
How do I get a background check if I do not live in Canada?
If you live outside of Canada, the only way to get a record check is by submitting your fingerprints to the RCMP.
Working in the Vulnerable Sector
A Vulnerable Person, under Section 6.3(1) of the Criminal Records Act, is someone who may depend on others due to age, disability, or other circumstances, or who is at increased risk of harm from a person in a position of trust or authority.
A child is anyone under 18 years of age.
A Vulnerable Sector Check may be required for individuals working or volunteering in roles involving trust or authority over children or vulnerable persons. This is determined by the hiring or volunteer organization based on the nature of the position, not the individual.
If a position meets the legal criteria, the organization may request a Vulnerable Sector Check and decide how often it must be renewed. Police will assess the role to ensure it meets legal requirements before completing the check. If it does not, the check cannot be conducted under the law.
Results are only released to Canadian organizations.
Declaring a Criminal Record
Criminal record verification can be completed in two ways: fingerprints or self-declaration.
Self-declaration is when an applicant reports their adult criminal convictions to the police service, in line with RCMP policy. It must include all convictions under federal law.
However, it does not include:
- Record suspensions (pardons)
- Youth convictions under the Youth Criminal Justice Act
- Absolute or conditional discharges
- Non-conviction charges
- Provincial or municipal offences
- Charges from outside Canada
Before releasing results from a name-based check, the police must confirm the information matches records held in the RCMP National Repository of Criminal Records.
Contact the Records Department
Please email us at recordchecks@woodstockpolice.ca if you have any questions. We respond to emails and voicemails Monday to Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., excluding statutory holidays.