Police Record Searches | Systemic Advocacy | Psychiatric Patient Advocate Office

Systemic Advocacy:
Police Record Searches

The Psychiatric Patient Advocate Office, as a rights protection agency, is concerned with what is in our opinion the discriminatory practice of releasing non-criminal information as part of a police reference check. The release of such information can, and often does, have a profoundly negative impact on the ability of our clients to find employment, volunteer opportunities or student placements. For many consumers of mental health services, this practice undermines their ability to pursue life and career goals as responsible citizens.

A police record is different from a criminal record. A criminal record will show any convictions a person has received. A police record may show much more information. For example, a police record is created any time you are actively involved with the police. Even if you have never been charged or convicted of an offense but were questioned by the police there may be a police record. If the police take you to a hospital or if they transfer you between hospitals, there may be a police record.

An employer or a volunteer agency may want you to complete a police and/or criminal record search at the time you are applying for a position. Even if you have been in a position for some time, you may be asked to agree to a records search.

InfoGuide
Police Record Searches

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