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Police Information Check Requirement

Police Information Checks are required of all Bachelor of Education students heading into a field experience semester.


Information for All Students

A current, clear Police Information Check (PIC), including a Vulnerable Sector search, is required of all students participating in field experience. Students are required to present their clear PIC to the Undergraduate Programs in Education (UPE) office as directed by the Field Team.

You are required to complete the "Notice regarding requirement for Police Information Checks", obtain a current and clear Police Information Check, submit the details of your PIC, present your PIC to UPE Field Experience, and present your PIC to your Field Experience placement site(s).

Please Note: Students without a current and clear PIC will not be allowed to participate in field experience.

The Police Information Check Requirement

All students participating in a Field Experience in a given academic year with the Werklund School of Education are required to provide a current and clear Police Information Check which includes a Criminal Record Check and a Vulnerable Sector Search. Students must arrange for a Police Information Check through their nearest police service or RCMP detachment in the area where they reside.

Police Information Checks are more than a Canadian criminal record check. Also known as a Police Information Check (PIC), information is searched from three databases and the results will be provided on a Calgary Police Service certificate letter. Disclosure will include Canada-wide Criminal Record History, Vulnerable Sector Search (if required) and Police History; this includes Local Police Information and Alberta Provincial court records.

Individuals applying for a police information check who may be working with vulnerable members of society are required to undergo a vulnerable sector verification. Vulnerable persons are those who are in a position of dependence on others (such as children or people with disabilities) or who are at a higher than normal risk of being harmed by an authority figure. A vulnerable sector verification determines if individuals working with the vulnerable sector have a sexual offence conviction for which they’ve received a pardon.

All students participating in a Field Experience in a given academic year with the Werklund School of Education are required to provide a current and clear Police Information Check which includes a Criminal Record Check and a Vulnerable Sector Search. Students must arrange for a Police Information Check through their nearest police service or RCMP detachment in the area where they reside.

The original Police Information Check must be presented to and accepted by the administration in the Undergraduate Program Office in the Werklund School of Education, dated within timelines as directed by the Field Experience team. All students must also present the original police information check to the partner school administration on the first day of each Field Experience (Education 440465540560), and as requested by the Field Experience team.

A Police Information Check may be required for an experiential learning placement. Failure to present a clear Police Information Check will result in the student being unable to complete their community placement.

A Police Information Check which includes a Criminal Record Check and a Vulnerable Sector Search from every person engaged in a field-based practicum. Werklund School of Education contracts with school authorities and other agencies to provide student practice placements. Under the terms of these contracts, the Werklund School of Education is required to collect both a Criminal Record Check and a Vulnerable Sector Search (together the Police Information Check) from every student admitted to the Werklund School of Education Undergraduate Program.

If your Police Information Check is not clear of any previous or pending charges and convictions, you may be unable to undertake the practicum or internship requirements of my program and may be required to withdraw from the program.

 

 

Students who have concerns related to their ability to provide a clear Police Information Check should consult with the UPE Field Experience team. 

If you are concerned about the presence of a criminal record, you should contact the police department to discuss the process for eliminating or erasing such a record.

Students are obligated to inform Undergraduate Programs in Education immediately of any change in status of their criminal record whether participating in a Field Experience or experiential learning placement.

Students who do not present a clear Police Information Check will not be placed in a Field Experience and as a result, cannot continue in the Education program. Successful completion of Field Experience is required for graduation. 

UPE must view your completed, clear Police Information Check prior to Field Experience. 

  • If your PIC is delayed or if you have concerns, please email our UPE Field Experience Team, upefield@ucalgary.ca immediately
  • A PIC is required to participate in Field Experience. We will need to your PIC by the 400 or 500-level course drop deadlines - we want to be sure you are able to proceed into your Field Experience semester before decisions regarding course registration are made. Please email the UPE Field Experience team, upefield@ucalgary.ca, and the UPE Student Advising team, upe@ucalgary.ca, to discuss.

When should you obtain a Police Information Check?

As instructed by the Field Experience Team!

We consider your PIC valid for 1 year. It must be dated after July 1. 

You will be required to obtain and present a new PIC each academic year you participate in Field Experience. 

Please note: Some schools / school districts have different expectations and regulations regarding PIC validity. You may be required to obtain a new Police Information Check for your Winter Term Field Experience, depending on your Field Experience placement. It is our expectation students work with the school board and apply for a new PIC as required. 

I'm not in Field Experience this year, do I need a PIC?

You might! If you are planning on participating in an Experiential Learning opportunity, you may need to obtain and present a Police Information Check. Please contact the Experiential Learning team for details. 

Can you share my PIC details with my placement school?

No, it is your responsibility to ensure your PIC is presented to your placement school.

The UPE Field Experience team is not able to retain or receive PIC originals or copies, nor can with your PIC with your placement school or school division. 

Can I apply for an ePIC?

Yes! We are happy to accept your ePIC from the Calgary Police Service. We are not able to share the ePIC with your placement school or school division.