Ottawa Police

After just moving to Ottawa, I needed to get a Police Records Check done for a great volunteering opportunity that I was offered. I was given a signed letter from the organization and I was told to go to the Police Station.
There was a stand near the entrance to fill out forms. I filled out a form for a Police Records Check for Service with the Vulnerable Sector. I took out my driver’s license and my passport, and took a number from the machine based on my reason for being there. I was seen right away.
The downside was that it took me a couple more visits to actually be able to submit my forms, as my IDs still had a Mississauga address and they needed additional proof of address, in which case I had to wait to get both a copy of my tenant’s agreement and some type of credit card or utility bill.
Other than that, the service at the station was pretty great — fast and to the point. It took me weeks to receive my police check in the mail since they had to exchange information with Mississauga, but it’s great that I now have a common requirement of career opportunities in the non-​profit sector.

I know that at first glance, a review of a police station is NOT what Unilocal is about. But, hear me out — knowing about this station could really help you out if you are moving to Ottawa. When I first arrived in Ottawa, many potential employers and landlords were looking for criminal background checks. Anyhow, I went to a local station on Greenbank St. and, after paying my $ 45 fee, was told my background check would be ready in 8 — 9 weeks. Eight to nine weeks??? I argued with the desk office (well, as much as a civilian can actually argue with a police officer) but was told that all background checks for people who come from out of town take that long to process. This was a pain — I had to literally float around aimlessly while waiting for this vital documentation. No employer or landlord would go to the next level with me until the background check was ready. Then, I talked to some friends and learned — to my HUGE chagrin — that the main Ottawa Police station on Elgin Street did background checks ON THE SPOT! Yes, on the spot. I went to the Elgin street station and, sure enough, got my background check (and two certified copies) for $ 45. Oh, and the original one I ordered? It NEVER arrived. So, here is a lesson to you — if you need a background check and don’t want to miss out on any employment or apartments, then don’t wait. Go to the Elgin Street main station and apply there. Oh, and be ready to pay cash — exact change only.