A Vulnerable Sector Check is an enhanced Police Information Check, developed to protect children and vulnerable persons and is governed by the Criminal Records Act.
Vulnerable Sector Checks are used to verify if an individual has received a Record Suspension (formally a Pardon) for a sex offence, and if an individual has had any relevant involvement with police. Individuals entering into a role of responsibility are required to obtain a Vulnerable Sector Check when they are in a position of trust and/or authority over vulnerable persons, including:
- Children
- The elderly
- Individuals with disabilities
- Any circumstance that places an individual of any age in a position of dependence on others, or those who are at a greater risk for victimization than the general population
A position of trust or authority is more than just having contact with children or vulnerable persons. The nature of the position – not the person – must cause the person to have authority over, or trust of, children or vulnerable persons. Casual positions where occasional contact with children or other vulnerable persons can still require a Vulnerable Sector Check if the nature of the position leads children or vulnerable persons to have trust in the individual.
Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the organization or person responsible for the vulnerable person/people to request that a Vulnerable Sector Check be completed. If you are unsure as to whether a Vulnerable Sector Check is needed for a specific position, please consult with your employer, educational institution, or non-profit organization.
The Lethbridge Police Service can only conduct a Vulnerable Sector Check for individuals that reside in the City of Lethbridge. For applicants who require a Vulnerable Record Check and do not have valid government-issued identification with a Lethbridge address, the Lethbridge Police Service accepts the options listed below as proof of their Lethbridge residency (please note these documents show your name for verification):
- Recent (mailed) utility, electricity, gas or telephone bill (dated within the last 60 days)
- Property rental agreements (fixed-term agreements only; month-to-month agreements will not be accepted)
- Mailed bank statement (dated within the last 60 days)
- Life, auto, or residential insurance documents (dated within the last 60 days)
Please note this list is not exhaustive and that the Police Information Check Unit reserves the right to accept or refuse any forms of Proof of Residency provided by an applicant.
The Lethbridge Police Service will not accept printed bank statements from the applicant’s bank stamped by a teller, screenshots/captures of banking information (including a teller stamp), or screenshots of Lethbridge addresses from any websites.
An additional $40 fee will be required for applicants who require Vulnerable Sector (VS) fingerprints for employment positions.
