Police Records Search Procedure
Students in Health and Community Services Programs
Student Information
Please be aware that a Police Records Search is required for some academic activities in some programs. Only criminal convictions relevant to the program activities may exclude participation, but in some cases this may impact on your ability to graduate from a program. Therefore, if you have past criminal convictions or pending charges under federal statutes, you must contact the Dean's office before you accept an offer from the College.
It is important to clarify your status early. In some cases, failure by the registrant to notify the Dean's office may result in dismissal from the program.
Why is this necessary?
Sault College of Applied Arts and Technology is bound by its policies as well as the policies of its placement providers. Given this the purpose of a clear Police Records Search includes but is not limited to the following:
- The protection of vulnerable persons
- The protection of the interests of students
- The protection of the interests of the placement agencies and,
- The protection of the interests of the College and its employees
Students enrolled in designated programs will be working with, or have unsupervised access to, vulnerable persons. Vulnerable persons are defined by the Criminal Records Act as: "persons who because of their age, disability or other circumstances, whether temporary or permanent, are in a position of dependence on others or who are otherwise at a greater risk than the general population of being harmed by persons in a position of authority or trust relative to them."
If the Police Records Search identifies a criminal record the student must contact the Dean's office within 10 days of receipt of the Police Records Search. Failure to do so may adversely affect the student's academic status. Prospective students should know that if a criminal record exists, the student's ability to complete the academic requirements and graduate from their program may be in jeopardy. In the event of complicated CIPC reports, fingerprinting may be required. All costs associated with this process are the student's responsibility. In some programs, placements in Year 2 and 3 may require fingerprints in addition to CIPC.
What is required?
A current (within two years) Police Records Search is required for some academic activities in Health and Human Services programs at Sault College of Applied Arts & Technology. The Police Records Search will include:
- National Criminal Record (Adult) for which a pardon has not been granted
- National Criminal Record (Young person provided it is not subject to non-disclosure under the Youth Criminal Act)
- Pending charges under federal statutes
- Pardoned Sexual offences (Bill C-7)
What Programs are included?
As of the academic year of 2002-2003, the following programs will require a Police Records Search, clear of all convictions relevant to the programs, for students to take part in field placement/clinical/practicum or other relevant academic activities. Only convictions relevant to the program activity will exclude student participation.
- Child and Youth Worker
- Early Childhood Education
- Law and Security Administration
- Fitness and Health Promotion
- Police Foundations
- Social Services Worker
- Social Services Worker-Native
- Collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Occupational Therapist Assistant/Physiotherapist Assistant
- Practical Nursing
- Personal Support Worker
- Community Integration through Cooperative Education
- Liberal Studies - Teacher Education track
Note:
Programs may be added to this list as the needs of the community and the placement agencies require. Steps to take to complete the Police Records Search requirements:
If you know that you have a criminal record call us at the Dean's office at Sault College, 1-705-759-2554, Ext. 2689, 2560 or 2603.
Please note that not all convictions will impact on your program activities.
Students will obtain a Police Records Search from their local police service provider or police station. Students must apply in the community where they have resided for at least one year. The College has provided an information letter for you to present to your local police services indicating the requirements of the Police Records Search.
The full cost of obtaining the Police Records Search is the responsibility of the individual student.
The Police Records Search usually takes up to two weeks to complete.
Students will present this document the first day of school during orientation. Student will not be placed in community agencies for required field/clinical placement without this document.
Applicants may be in the process of pursuing a legal pardon for conviction(s). This information should be shared with the Dean's office upon submission of the Police Records Search.
The document is the property of the individual and the College shall not maintain a photocopy. All information shall be considered confidential and private. Notations concerning the contents of the Police Records Search will be placed in the student file. The information will include that documentation was received according to policy and the status of the search documents and the placement status of the student. The original document will be returned to the student.
The student shall maintain the original document as placement/clinical agencies have the right to request these documents.
The Placement Review Committee will review Police Records Searches that are not clear. Only convictions that are relevant to the academic activity will exclude or affect student participation.
Students with charges pending will be suspended from placement until charges are resolved. Decisions regarding permanent placement status remain on hold until charges are resolved.
If you have any questions regarding this process, please contact the Office of the Dean, Health and Human Services, Sault College of Applied Arts & Technology, 1-705-759-2554, Ext. 2603, 2689 or 2560.