RCMP Fingerprints for Federal Government Contract Screenings

What do I do if I need electronic fingerprints for a federal government contract security screening?

Many employees of private sector companies in Canada are now required to undergo security screenings including mandatory electronic fingerprints because their company is participating in contracts for the Government of Canada or foreign governments. Security screening is important so that the Government of Canada can be sure that sensitive information like military plans or financial records of Canadian citizens is protected.

What is the Contract Security Program?

The Contract Security Program is a program operated by Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC), an office of the Canadian Federal Government. This is the government organization that processes most security screenings for private sector contractors, regardless of the Department that the contract is with. Other federal ministries and departments may process security screenings for contractors as well, in which case your electronic fingerprint results will have to go to them, instead.

What does the Security Screening Involve?

As part of this screening, you will be required to submit a number of forms. You will also be required to obtain a Certified Criminal Record Check conducted through the RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) Canadian Criminal Real Time Identification Services (CCRTIS). CCRTIS is a division of the RCMP that processes fingerprint submissions and conducts criminal record checks.

How do I obtain a Certified Criminal Record Check?

You will need to go in person to an RCMP-accredited third-party fingerprint agency to obtain the certified criminal record check. This involves having a set of electronic fingerprints taken and submitted digitally to the RCMP using CCRTIS.

You must provide two pieces of valid government-issued identification such as a passport or driver’s license. Please note that Ontario Health Cards and Social Insurance Cards are not acceptable forms of identification.

Your employer will provide you with a form called the “Fingerprints applicant request form – Contract Security Program”. You need to present this form to the fingerprinting agency which will fill out a confirmation number called a Document Control Number (DCN) on this form once your fingerprints have been submitted to the RCMP. This DCN may also be provided to you on a receipt printed by the fingerprinting agency. Your employer will need this DCN number to process your security clearance.

If your security screening is being processed by another government department, be sure to provide all instructions to the fingerprint technician. This will normally include the specific name of the department and/or its “ORI” number, so the technician can ensure the results will go to the right place. Keep in mind that the Government office signing the contract is usually not the same office that processes the security screening.

How Can Red Seal Notary help?

Red Seal Notary is accredited by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and has been providing fingerprinting services since 2010.
Our professional and trained staff can take your digital fingerprints and submit them to the RCMP using the CCRTIS system. For more information, see our fingerprint page or contact us at 1-888-922-7325.