What is the main difference between a police check and a check from an accredited agency in Surrey?

A check from the local Surrey police detachment (a Police Information Check) searches local and national databases and is often for general employment or volunteer work. A check from an RCMP-accredited agency like Surrey Fingerprint Company involves submitting your fingerprints electronically to the federal RCMP database in Ottawa. This is required for federal purposes like immigration (IRCC), U.S. waivers, and Record Suspensions (pardons).

When must I go to the Surrey Police Service for a background check?

You must initiate your check with the local police (Surrey Police Service or RCMP detachment) if you require a Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC). This is a special type of check required for roles where you will be working with children or vulnerable adults.

Why would I choose Surrey Fingerprint Company over the police?

You should choose an accredited agency like ours when you need an RCMP Certified Criminal Record Check for federal or international purposes. It is often much faster for these specific needs because we submit your fingerprints directly to the RCMP's federal database electronically. This is the required method for immigration, pardons, and many federal government employment screenings.

A Surrey Resident’s Guide to Criminal Record Checks: Police Detachment vs. Accredited Agency

Published on June 8, 2025 by Surrey Fingerprint Company

So, you need a criminal record check in Surrey. You start searching online and immediately face the big question: **”Where do I go? The local police station or a private agency?”** This is the single most common point of confusion, and the answer depends entirely on *why* you need the check.

Getting it wrong can mean wasted time, money, and application delays. As Surrey’s leading RCMP-accredited fingerprinting experts, we’ve created this definitive guide to clarify the process, helping you choose the right path for your specific needs.

First, Understand the Two Main Types of Checks

Before comparing providers, it’s crucial to know what you’re asking for.

1. Police Information Check (PIC)

This is the standard check often provided by local police detachments like the **Surrey Police Service** or Surrey RCMP. It searches national databases (like the Canadian Police Information Centre – CPIC) and local police records for criminal convictions, outstanding charges, and other police contact information. This is often sufficient for general employment, volunteering (that isn’t in the vulnerable sector), and some licensing.

2. RCMP Certified Criminal Record Check

This is the gold standard, official federal background check. It is based on your **fingerprints** and confirms your identity with 100% certainty. The results are certified by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). This type of check is mandatory for all federal and international purposes.

When to Go to the Police Detachment

You should visit the local Surrey Police or RCMP detachment primarily for one key reason:

Vulnerable Sector Checks (VSC): If you plan to work or volunteer with children or vulnerable adults, a VSC is mandatory. This is a special type of PIC that also includes a search for any record of sexual offences for which a pardon has been granted. By law, a VSC **must be initiated by your local police force.** In some cases, if your name and date of birth match an existing record, the police may require you to get fingerprinted to confirm your identity, at which point you can come to an agency like ours.

When to Use an RCMP-Accredited Agency Like Us

An RCMP-accredited agency is a private business, like **Surrey Fingerprint Company**, that has been authorized by the RCMP to capture and submit fingerprints directly to the federal database in Ottawa. This is the fastest and most efficient option when you need an **RCMP Certified Criminal Record Check**.

Choose us when you need a check for:

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC): For Permanent Residency, Citizenship, and other visa applications.
Record Suspensions (Pardons): This is the mandatory first step of the application process.
U.S. Entry Waivers & Visas: For applications that require an FBI background check (using the FD-258 card) or an RCMP check.
Federal Government Employment: For security clearances like Reliability Status.
Foreign Travel, Work, or Adoption: When another country requires an official police certificate from Canada.

At-a-Glance Comparison

Feature	Surrey Police/RCMP Detachment	Surrey Fingerprint Company (Accredited Agency)
Best For	Local employment, volunteering, and mandatory Vulnerable Sector Checks (VSC).	Federal and international needs: Immigration, Pardons, U.S. Waivers, Federal jobs.
Primary Check Type	Police Information Check (PIC).	RCMP Certified Criminal Record Check (Fingerprint-Based).
Speed for Federal Needs	Slower, as it’s not their primary function.	Much faster due to direct electronic submission to RCMP in Ottawa.
Vulnerable Sector?	Yes, you must start here.	No, this must be initiated by the police.

Frequently Asked Questions

I need a police certificate for my IRCC application. Where in Surrey do I go?

You need an RCMP Certified Criminal Record Check. The most efficient way to get this is at an accredited agency like Surrey Fingerprint Company.

Is a private agency like yours legitimate?

Absolutely. “RCMP-accredited” means we are certified and trusted by the RCMP to handle sensitive information and submit fingerprints directly to their secure federal system.

I volunteer as a soccer coach. Where do I start?

You need a Vulnerable Sector Check, so you must start the process with the Surrey Police Service or your local RCMP detachment.

Get the Right Check, The First Time

Now that you know the difference, you can make an informed choice. If your needs are for immigration, a pardon, federal employment, or international travel, we are your local experts.

Call Us at 604-825-8882

Visit our office at 112 – 8232 120 Street, Surrey, BC for fast, professional service.