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EDI Police Service Delivery

EDI > Police Service Delivery

The fundamental purpose of the MHPS is to serve and protect the community.  To accomplish this, we must be aware of the needs of various groups to ensure we are providing accessible and responsible policing services to all people in the community equitably. Community stakeholders including; service organizations for persons with disabilities, immigration services, housing and social service agencies, local school communities and justice community partners were involved in the development of the objectives and actions under this theme in an effort to increase awareness of potential gaps in service.

It is recognized that continual effort must be made to ensure the MHPS stays connected to the community to be aware of and respond to issues or concerns.  There are a variety of ways the MHPS can accomplish this both formally and informally.  Informally the MHPS will continue to collaborate with community partners and stakeholders to maintain and expand a network of relationships.  The MHPS will use a variety of communication tools to share information about our activities and community safety concerns. Formally the MHPS commits to the following activities: 

 

Initiative: Chief's Indigenous Advisory Board
Status: In Progress
Objective: Community consultation with indigenous populations that meets four times per year.
Responsible: Chief of Police
Measurable: Establishment of an Advisory Board
 
To view the entire MHPS Indigenous Reconciliation Action plan click here
Initiative: Public Survey
Status: Completed Fall 2023
Objective: The Police Commission will conduct survey to ensure the MHPS is able to understand and respond to community concerns about crime and safety a public survey is conducted to gather statistically reliable data from community members to aid the development of the four-year strategic plan.
Topics in the survey include; general safety, communication initiatives, road safety, uniformed patrols, bylaw enforcement, criminal investigation, trends and emerging issues and victim services.
Responsible: Chief of Police / Police Commission
Measurable: Results can be viewed on the Medicine Hat Police Commission website click here
Initiative: Open House
Status: Annual - The next MHPS Open House will be held on Saturday, June 1, 2024
Objective: Annual opportunity for community members to learn more about the MHPS and its operation through information displays, demos & building tours.
Responsible: Office of the Chief / Community Support Unit
Measurable: Measure of community participation.
Initiative: Citizens Police Academy
Status: Annual - The next Citizens' Police Academy will be held in September 2024.  The application deadline to apply to participate is June 26, 2024.  For more information on the CPA or to apply click here.
Objective: Annual opportunity for interested community members to gain an in depth understanding of the MHPS and its operations, and gain an increased awareness of current policing issues and community safety concerns through a series of lectures, hands on learning and demonstrations.
Responsible: Community Support Unit
Measurable: Measure the number of applicants each year. Measure satisfaction of participants upon conclusion of CPA.
Initiative: Participation in Provincial Committees
Status: In Progress
Objective: One MHPS Inspector sits on the Alberta Association of Chiefs of Police (AACP) Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Committee. This group, which is made up of Police Managers from across the province, meets regularly throughout the year to discuss best practices and identify opportunities for provincial initiatives such as EDI training.
The other Inspector sits on the AACP policing with Indigenous Persons Committee. This group of senior police leaders looks to strengthen relationships with Indigenous peoples and seek ways to embrace the “Calls to Action” for police  generated from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.  
Responsible: Inspectors
 
Initiative: Training
Status: Ongoing 
Objective: The MHPS continually seeks out opportunities to provide relevant training to police officers, support staff and community partners (when applicable) that focuses on increasing understanding, respect and empathy for all those we serve.
Responsible:Training Unit
Measurable: 
  • On October 17, 2023 the MHPS hosted a professional development day for staff with Russell Garnett as the keynote speaker discussing policing during the Holocaust. Tyler Pelke also spoke on the topic of finding peace after trauma and Pam August on how to change your mindset from problem to potential.
  • In 2024 all MHPS staff were assigned to complete the Cultural Awareness and Humility Course, provided online by the Canadian Police Knowledge Network.
  • On February 27, the MHPS Training Unit hosted a webinar on Neurodiversity & Educated Emergency Responses for over 150 attendees from agencies such as the Calgary Police Service, Edmonton Police Service, Lethbridge Police Service, Tsuut’ina Nation Police Service, Lacombe Police Service, RCMP, Alberta Women in Public Safety, Alberta Health Services, Calgary Fire Department, HALO Air, Calgary Paramedic Services, Search and Rescue Southern Alberta Region and Victim’s Assistance. 

 

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EDI Key Principles

EDI > EDI Key Principles

Key Principles

The MHPS is committed to the values of equity, diversity and inclusion and strives to be an employer of choice. Six key principles establish the framework for expected behavior and decision making in our strategy as follows:

1. Inclusive Work Culture:

We will build a fair and respectful workplace at every level where diversity is harnessed as a strength and where people are valued as individuals and are helped to flourish whatever their unique background or characteristics.

2. Legal Obligations

We will follow The Alberta Human Rights Act (AHR) which prohibits discrimination in employment based on the protected grounds. We will ensure all our relevant policies and practices reflect the intent of the AHR Act to ensure all employees are protected from discrimination, harassment and unfair treatment.

3. Moral and Ethical Obligations

The principles of equity, diversity and inclusion relate to social justice, fairness, human rights and equitable access to opportunities. The Office of the Chief is committed to ensuring all MHPS staff work towards these principles.

4. A Diverse Workforce

We will proactively cultivate a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community we serve. We believe that a workplace that embraces the diverse community it serves will help us to attract, retain and develop the best people from a broad range of backgrounds.

5. Inclusive Practices

We will continue to develop and embed inclusive policies, processes and practices at every level in the Police Service. We believe inclusive and diverse teams bring variety of thought, innovation and creativity that will help us better understand the needs of our staff and community. 

6. Community Engagement

We need to know and understand our community and customize our services to meet their diverse needs through engagement and consultation. We always aim to provide a fair and equitable services to anyone who interacts with us irrespective of their background or personal circumstances.

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Indigenous Reconciliation Action Plan

In the final report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls there are 11 “Calls for Police Services” (recommendations) and 21 related sub categories for Police Services and government bodies to implement. These can be found in the final report under Calls for Police Services Pages 190 - 218, paragraphs 9.1- 9.11.

Building Trust & Credibility with Alberta’s Indigenous People through Cultural Competency

Developing future strategies to build and improve trust between MHPS and the indigenous community of Medicine Hat is an important first step in the journey of reconciliation. Building cultural competency is an integral part of improving trust between MHPS and Medicine Hat’s indigenous community. A consequence of obtaining cultural competency will translate into effective policies that will improve MHPS service delivery when meeting needs of the local indigenous population.

 

Joint Statement - Police Chief & Police Commission Chairperson

We recognize that all First Nations, Inuit, and Métis families can raise their children in Medicine Hat with the same safety, security, and human rights that non-Indigenous families living in Medicine Hat do. When providing Police Services to all indigenous persons, we will recognize their distinctions and these distinctions will include self identification, regional specific information and the gendered lens of 2SLGBTQQIA.

Local History

The Medicine Hat area, including South Eastern Alberta, the Cypress Hills, and the South West Saskatchewan area, is rich in indigenous history such as First Nations cultures of the Blackfoot Confederacy, Nakoda/Assiniboine, Cree and Metis.  

Medicine Hat’s Indigenous Population

According to the Stats Canada 2016 census the following makes up the indigenous population residing in Medicine Hat. According to the latest census the overall population is 62,935. Of this general population, the ‘Aboriginal Identity’ population according to the 2021 census is 3,225 citizens.

According to Stats Canada, ‘Aboriginal identity' includes persons who are First Nations (North American Indian), Métis or Inuk (Inuit) and/or those who are registered or Treaty Indians (that is, registered under the Indian Act of Canada) and/or those who have membership in a First Nation or Indian band. Aboriginal peoples of Canada are defined in the Constitution Act, 1982, section 35 (2) as including the Indian, Inuit and Métis peoples of Canada.

According to the 2021 census the breakdown of the indigenous population in Medicine Hat is as follows:

First Nations (North American Indian) 1,020       

Métis  2,065  

Inuk (Inuit)   40

Multiple Indigenous responses  45

Indigenous response not included elsewhere 55

This action plan recognizes the influences of other indigenous persons who regularly visit, shop or live in Medicine Hat and travel here from other areas around South Eastern Alberta and South West Saskatchewan and who are not included in the enumerated census for the indigenous population of Medicine Hat.

The Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Report (MMIWG)

The MMIWG report provides this action plan with several “Calls to Police Services” that provide a framework for MHPS to follow in the reconciliation journey.  Several of the Calls for Police Services in the MMIWG report are either not applicable to MHPS as they fall to the jurisdiction of the Provincial and/or the Federal Government to action or because MHPS already follows the recommendation as a policing best practice.

Our Commitment to the Calls for Police Services

We will continue to build respectful working relationships with all Indigenous Peoples by creating an enhanced cultural understanding and by recognizing them as community members we serve.

Our Action Plan

Indigenous Advisory Committee

Create a Chief’s Indigenous Advisory Committee and invite indigenous community leaders to meet and consider matters relating to policing services for Indigenous peoples in this community. The Committee will be made up of the Chief of Police, Chair of the Medicine Hat Police Commission, local Indigenous leaders, Métis Elders, as well as other MHPS staff. 

Action Item:  The committee will meet four times throughout the year, coinciding with the beginning of every new season, to connect and advise the police service on current issues relating to Indigenous and police relations within the community.

Status: Ongoing.  The first meeting was held on June 23, 2021. This group helps to guide the MHPS by advising us on our path towards reconciliation efforts and ensuring we are meeting the needs of our local community.  Meetings are held three to four times per year.

MHPS Policy Review
Review all MHPS policies, practices, and procedures to ensure service delivery that is culturally appropriate meets the needs of Indigenous Peoples.

Action Item: Complete policy review through the lens of inclusiveness and understanding of Indigenous culture, values and norms and to ensure no barriers or implicit biases exist within policies or practices.

Status: In Progress

To assist with this review the MHPS has contacted the Blood Tribe Police Service who have committed to conducting a review of all MHPS policies through an Indigenous lens.

Establish a Police Indigenous Liason Officer Position

The MHPS Police Indigenous Liason Officer (PILO) will lead the services’ efforts in community liaison work, community relationship building, and community crime-prevention programs within and for Indigenous people in Medicine Hat in a respectful way.

Action Item: Establish a PILO who will be responsible to identifying and liaising with any local elders and Indigenous organizations.

Status:  Completed  Cst. Lori Parasynchuk is the current MHPS PILO.

At a ceremony held on September 23, 2022 Cst. Parasynchuk was honoured with the name Naato Awo’taan Aakii, ‘Holy Shield Woman’ in recognition of her commitment to building relationships with the local Indigenous population.  During the ceremony Elder Fox shared stories of survival in his lifetime, blessings he passed on to Cst. Parasynchuk before she received her new Blackfoot spirit name, then gently pushed her forward as a symbol of stepping into her new identity.

Training for MHPS Recruits

The MHPS Police Recruit Training Program  to include anti-bias training and indigenous culture training. All training will be distinctions-based and relevant to the land and local Indigenous people being served.

Action Item: Indigenous People and Cultural Awareness training has been incorporated into the police recruit training program curriculum. This training is continually reviewed and updated, in partnership with the Blood Tribe Police Service, to ensure participants of the training understand and recognize local Indigenous history, culture, and the challenges facing Indigenous persons in contemporary society.

Status: Ongoing

Review of Outstanding MMIWG Investigations
Action Items: The MHPS Major Crimes Section (MCS) will review all RMS Police records for any outstanding investigations pertaining to all unresolved files of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people from the Medicine Hat jurisdiction. These files will be reviewed and if necessary reinvestigated. All non sensitive information will be disclosed and provided to the families.
 
Status: Completed.  As of May 10, 2021 MCS reviewed all files of missing persons in Medicine Hat as far back as our records allow and found that there were no unresolved cases requiring further investigation. 
 
Incorporation of Indigenous Culture
Ancillary cultural indigenous initiatives will include the exploration of the Eagle feather Oath option and the Indigenous land acknowledgement at the commencement of MHPS events.

Action Item: Administrative Services to develop policy to allow indigenous persons to use a sacred Eagle feather. The Eagle Feather is to be offered as an option for providing an oath swearing by a traditional Indigenous form of conscience binding. This will be offered in addition to the swearing on a religious text or making a non-religious affirmation.

Status: Completed. On June 25th,2021 the MHPS Executive Team along with RSM Fishley and the Indigenous Liaison Cst. Parasynchuk traveled to Standoff, AB to take part in a ceremony where the MHPS was gifted a sacred Eagle Feather.  A gift from the Blackfoot community - the feather was transferred to the MHPS after being blessed in a smudging ceremony on Friday.  The feather will be used as an option for newly hired police officers to use to promise their oath, or to provide culturally significant support to victims or witnesses.  The feather was beaded specifically for the MHPS and it is a great honour for the organization to receive this gift. 

Action Item: MHPS Administrative Services to develop a policy or practice to include local Indigenous land acknowledgment for all community boardroom meetings held by outside agencies and with outside agencies.

Status: Completed

Action Item: Renaming of the MHPS Community Boardroom

Status:  Completed

On September 23, 2022 the MHPS, in collaboration with the Miywasin Friendship Centre, held a traditional Blackfoot naming ceremony.  During the ceremony a Blackfoot name was bestowed upon the community space, to honor and acknowledge the Indigenous history of the land.

Medicine Hat is situated on Treaty 7 and Treaty 4 territory, traditional lands of the Siksika (Blackfoot), Kainai (blood), Pikani (Peigan), Stoney- Nakoda, and Tsuut`ina (Sarcee) as well as the Cree, Sioux and the Saulteaux bands of the Ojibwa peoples and is also on the Métis Nation within District Two, Battle River Territory.  According to the most recently available census data (2021), Medicine Hat is currently home to approximately 3,225 residents who identify as Indigenous.

One of the goals of the MHPS Indigenous Reconciliation Action Plan developed in 2021, was to create a respectful working relationship with all Indigenous people and enhance cultural understanding.  Working with members of the Chief’s Indigenous Advisory Committee, it was felt that renaming the boardroom would pay tribute to the history of this area being a traditional gathering spot for Indigenous communities.

During the ceremony the name, Aahkoinnimaan ni, was selected by Elder Charlie Fox of the Kainai Nation, a word that translates as the sacred pipe, a symbol of justice and peace that has a traditional role in the resolution of issues.

After the ceremony a come-and-go celebration was held to allow all community members an opportunity to attend and view a mural painted by local Métis artist, Ray-Al Hochman.  The room also has four canvas art pieces installed that were created by JoLynn Parenteau, an Indigenous housing and homeless navigator with the Miywasin Friendship Centre and a member of the Chief’s Indigenous Advisory Committee.  Each of the four paintings highlights the traditional language of the Blackfoot, Michif, Ojibwe and Plains Cree peoples.

 

Waiving of Fees for Administrative Costs
Action Item:  In recognition of not only the historical trauma but to acknowledge the living trauma of the Survivors of residential schools and the Sixties Scoop, in September 2023 the MHPS, along with all police agencies in Alberta, announced that the fees associated with criminal record checks and fingerprints required for Indigenous people who wish to reclaim their Indigenous name would be waived.

The decision supports The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action report recommendation:

“17. We call upon all levels of government to enable residential school Survivors and their families to reclaim names changed by the residential school system by waiving administrative costs for a period of five years for the name-change process and the revision of official identity documents, such as birth certificates, passports, driver’s licenses, health cards, status cards, and social insurance numbers.”

The Government of Alberta also waives the application fees for residential school Survivors and persons who were part of the Sixties Scoop that wish to reclaim their Indigenous name. Descendants such as children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and spouses/partners of residential school and Sixties Scoop Survivors are also eligible for name changes.

In Alberta, anyone requesting a legal name change requires both a criminal record check and fingerprints, and the payment for these services falls within the scope of Alberta policing agencies. To further remove barriers for all Indigenous people who wish to complete the name change process, there will be no charge from Alberta policing agencies for these services for those seeking to reclaim their Indigenous name.

The MHPS is committed to working collectively with other Alberta policing agencies and Indigenous people across the province on a path toward reconciliation. This work is ongoing and will strive towards restoring trust and confidence in policing among Indigenous people and in communities across the province.

We recognize that walking the journey together toward truth and reconciliation first requires us to understand truth. The truth is that for many Indigenous people, the reclaiming of their Indigenous names is but one step toward the reclamation of much more. As policing agencies across Alberta, seeking to remove barriers for this powerful reclamation is one way we can continue together toward truth and only then, reconciliation.

 
Status: Completed
 
 

 

Way Forward

This action plan is a way forward that provides some initial concrete steps in recognizing the complexity of intergenerational trauma suffered by Indigenous Peoples and represents a commitment by MHPS and MHPC to work towards maintaining a mutual understanding and respect in the context of providing quality Police Services to all citizens of Medicine Hat.

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References:

  1. Reclaiming Power and Place: The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.

Census Profile, 2016 Census Medicine Hat Population. https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/

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Land Acknowledgement

The MHPS honors and acknowledges that we are situated on Treaty 7 and Treaty 4 territory, traditional lands of the Siksika (Blackfoot), Kainai (blood), Pikani (Peigan), Stoney- Nakoda, and Tsuut`ina (Sarcee) as well as the Cree, Sioux and the Saulteaux bands of the Ojibwa peoples.  We also honour and acknowledge that we are on the homelands of Métis Nation within District Two, Battle River Territory.

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Nearly $1 million in stolen trailers recovered

Nearly one million dollars’ worth of stolen property has been recovered following an extensive investigation into stolen holiday trailers and campers. ALERT’s Southeast Alberta Property Crime unit has charged two Medicine Hat men.
 
Following a three-month investigation, ALERT has recovered 13 stolen holiday travel trailers, and other stolen vehicles and property, worth an estimated $970,000. The other stolen property included a sports car, recreational vehicles, motorbikes, tools, and various vehicle parts.
 
“This was a complex, coordinated scheme that undoubtedly ruined many family’s summer vacation plans. However, the impact of organized crime extends beyond the victim, and is a cost that society collectively bears,” said Supt. Dwayne Lakusta, ALERT CEO.
 
ALERT alleges two Medicine Hat men were involved in the thefts, and fraudulently re-vinned the trailers before being re-sold. A search of one of the suspect’s homes yielded materials for making fraudulent VIN stickers.
 
“Vehicle theft is a serious issue that affects us all through higher insurance premiums and can also be a risk to personal safety. Insurance Bureau of Canada is pleased to have been involved in this investigation and we congratulate ALERT for their success in recovering the stolen property,” said Sid Kingma, Director, Investigative Services, Western and Pacific Region, IBC.
 
Nathan Herter, 36-year-old man, was arrested in Medicine Hat on June 18, 2021 and charged with theft over $5,000, possession of break and enter tools, suspended driving, and possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking.
 
Mathew Hillier, a 36-year-old man, was arrested in Hope, BC on June 29, 2021 and charged with theft over $5,000 and possession of stolen property.
 
The thefts date as far back as December 2020 and spread across the westernmost provinces. ALERT’s investigation relied on the assistance of Service Alberta, Insurance Bureau of Canada, Medicine Hat Police, and various RCMP detachments.
 
ALERT continues to investigate and is not ruling out additional charges.
 
To date, ALERT has recovered:

  • Elevation trailer stolen in Redcliff and recovered in Sylvan Lake;
  • Keystone camper stolen in Dunmore and recovered in Lacombe County;
  • Reflection camper stolen in Lacombe and recovered in Hope, BC;
  • Cargo trailer stolen in Medicine Hat and recovered in Hope, BC;
  • Cargo trailer stolen in Redcliff and recovered in Hope, BC;
  • Keystone camper stolen in Medicine Hat and recovered in Tompkins, Sask.;
  • Jayco camper stolen in Red Deer and recovered in Cypress County;
  • Keystone trailer stolen in Medicine Hat and recovered in Langdon;
  • Dutchman trailer stolen in Dunmore and recovered in Kelowna;
  • Keystone camper stolen in Strathmore and recovered in County of Forty Mile;
  • Sunvalley camper stolen in Lethbridge and recovered in Kelowna;
  • Palamino trailer stolen in Regina, Sask. And recovered in Cypress County;
  • Cargo trailer stolen in Lacombe and recovered in Brock, Sask.;
  • Cargo trailer stolen in Drumheller and recovered in Brock, Sask;
  • Keystone trailer stolen in Swift Current, Sask. and recovered in Calgary;
  • Keystone camper stolen in Lacombe and recovered in Brock, Sask; and
  • Mirage trailer stolen in Medicine Hat and recovered in Brock, Sask.

 
A number of trailers were purchased at steep discounts, and already in the possession of a third-party.
 
ALERT believes there are still numerous stolen trailers outstanding and the investigation is ongoing. If you believe you may have unknowingly purchased a stolen trailer, you can contact ALERT’s Southeast Alberta Regional Property Crime unit at 403-529-8481.
 
Members of the public who suspect drug or gang activity in their community can call local police, or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers is always anonymous.
 
ALERT was established and is funded by the Alberta Government and is a compilation of the province’s most sophisticated law enforcement resources committed to tackling serious and organized crime.

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Vehicle Entries and Thefts

The Medicine Hat Police Service has noted a recent trend of vehicle entries throughout the City.  All of the entries have occurred to vehicles which have been unlocked and have contained valuables such as keys, credit cards and cash money.  

The Police Service is requesting the publics’ assistance in these matters by ensuring vehicles are locked and all valuables are removed or secured, and any suspicious activity is reported to the Police Service immediately.

In response to this trend, the Police Service will augment resource deployment; with the aim to identify offenders and hold them accountable for any illegal activities.

Anyone with information that could assist with this investigation is asked to contact the Medicine Hat Police Service at 403-529-8481. Tips may also be submitted via the MHPS Mobile App, which is free and available to download for both Apple and Android devices by searching ‘Medicine Hat Police Service’ on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

 

Media Contact:

S/Sgt. Cory Both

Patrol Section

Medicine Hat Police service

Ph: 403-529-8481

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Theft of Truck

On the early morning of August 18, 2021, the Medicine Hat Police Service received a complaint of a stolen 2014 Dodge 3500 Ram truck.  Later this same day at about 7:30 pm MHPS patrol officers located the same stolen vehicle as it was being driven by a male.  Shortly thereafter the truck was abandoned and the male suspect fled on foot.  Police containment was immediately established and the male was quickly apprehended hiding in the backyard of a residence.

As a result, a 32-year-old Lethbridge male has been charged with the following offences and is currently being held for a Judicial Interim Release Hearing;

  • Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle,
  • Flight from police officer,
  • Possession of stolen property over $5000
  • Possession of stolen property under $5000

The MHPS would like to remind the public to secure vehicles when not in use and never to leave ignition keys or valuables within vehicles. 


Media Contact:
S/Sgt Jason Graham
403-529-8410

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EPIC Booking

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Fingerprints

Fingerprinting and Certified Criminal Record Checks taken by Electronic Fingerprinting

All Certified Criminal Record Checks are conducted using Fingerprints that are electronically collected and submitted to the RCMP National Repository in Ottawa.  They are part of the process when applying for Citizenship, Immigration (Landed Immigrant Status), Name Changes, Pardons (Record Suspensions), US Travel Waivers and much more.  We also offer Ink & Paper Fingerprinting services for such purposes as Criminal Record Checks in other countries – Passport renewal, Immigration Police Clearance Checks (PCC) and employment with virtually any employer.

All Non-Criminal Fingerprinting is done by appointment only on Tuesday to Thursday beginning at 2:15 in the afternoon.  To contact the MHPS to book an appointment Please contact us at (403)529-8455 or by email at property@mhps.ca .

 

What is a Certified Criminal Record Check?

What are the differences in Criminal Record Checks?

Requirements, Costs and Payment Options

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is a Certified Criminal Record Check?

A Certified Criminal Record Check (CCRC) is a search conducted by the Canadian Criminal Real Time Identification Services (CCRTIS) to search for any criminal record that may exist for any name and fingerprint combination for convictions occurring anywhere within Canada.  They are done as part of the application process for many types of Employment, Citizenship, Immigration (Landed Immigrant Status), Name Changes, Pardons (Record Suspensions), Foreign Travel, Visas, Work & Waivers and occasionally for such things as Cannabis Cultivation Permits.  Although the CCRTIS operates under the RCMP umbrella as the holder of criminal records in Canada, these CCRC can be applied for at many local police services including MHPS in addition to actual RCMP detachments and some certified provider like the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires.  If you reside in Medicine Hat and attend an RCMP detachment in the surrounding area, they may refer you to our police service as you reside within our jurisdiction.

What are the differences in Record Checks?

There are several levels of Record checks in Canada, but the most general are:

Background Check:  This is usually done by a private investigation company or organization and covers only the most basic of information.  This process is sometimes employed by a future employer when they wish to investigate your background before hiring.  Because they will only have access to so much information that is not very specific or detailed, they may come back with some sort of inconclusive finding and that would send you to one of the other common versions. The MHPS has no ability to do such as service.

Police Information Check: A Police Information Check (PIC), sometimes referred to as a background check, is a detailed criminal and police history, or a confirmation of the absence of any information, based on the personal information provided. The results will be provided on a Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) certificate letter. This check is based solely on Canada-wide information. This Police Information Check only provides information found at the time of the check and we are limited to information available on the three source systems. This check does not include information found in any other jurisdiction’s local police information systems; nor does it include court information of any other province(s), except convictions registered on the National Repository for Canada.  It is used for such things as Volunteer Employment and Venerable Sector searches.  It has been requested for Immigration as well as other purposes but is not typically what is required by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Certified Criminal Record Check: Because a CCRC is a search conducted by CCRTIS to search the National Repository for any criminal record that may exist from a conviction anywhere within Canada, a certified document is issued for any requesting agency that may require the information.  If it is important to know if a person has a CCRC as part of a process like immigration, it may have to be as recent as may be possible – CCRCs do not have an expiry date, rather they are a snapshot in time that says as of this date this person with these fingerprints has been found to have the following criminal record (if any).

 Further information on Record checks can be found at:

https://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/en/criminal-record-checks

Requirements, Cost and Payment Options

We will require you to present at least one piece of government issued identification and it must include both name and date of birth in addition to some sort of control/issue number such as Birth Certificate, Alberta Health Care Card, Immigration Documents or Marriage Certificate.  At least one piece of ID must contain a picture such as Provincial Drivers Licence, Passport, Citizenship Card, Motor Vehicles Registry Photo ID card, Native Status Card or PAL.  Social Insurance Cards and temporary driver’s permits are not considered acceptable as they do not include date of birth.  In most circumstances we will need your current mailing address so that the results may be mailed to you directly.

The total cost for any process that requires the taking of electronic fingerprinting is $75 while the total cost for any Ink & Paper Fingerprinting is $50, these prices include GST.  The cost of electronic fingerprinting covers two elements: $25 is forwarded to the RCMP (CCRTIS) to perform the Criminal Record Check) and the other portion of $50 is retained by the MHPS to maintain & operate the Livescan equipment.  MHPS accepts payment for these services by Debit, Cheque – made out to “Medicine Hat Police Service” or of course cash.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q- How long will it take to get the results for my CCRC?

A- Typically the results will be mailed to your personal residence within 2-3 weeks although as little as 1 week has occurred.  Once it arrives, you should forward it to the agency that requires it as soon as possible to avoid the issue of being current enough.  There are sometimes delays if there are unexpected volumes of application like Immigration, agencies like IRCC are aware that these delays exist so they will not be concerned if they occur in your case.

 

Q- How long will I be at the MHPS to get this process?

A- Typically the process will take only about 10 minutes from the time you get into the fingerprint room to your departure, appointments are only 15 minutes long so please attempt to meet your appointment timings

 

Q- Can the results be sent directly to the agency that wants them – like IRCC?

A- Unfortunately with our software and Policy, we are unable to request that the information is sent to anybody other than the person requesting it (with only one exception – employment with the federal Government).  All the agencies that request this from IRCC to RECA in addition to civil companies applying for Pardons & Waivers are aware of this and will accept the information if it comes to you first.  This typically adds only an additional day or two to the process.

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