To ensure there are no hidden or forgotten charges on your criminal record, you can file an Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP) request with the RCMP under the federal Privacy Act. This process is completely free for Canadian citizens and provides a complete copy of your internal police dossier before you apply for a Record Suspension.
Applying for a Record Suspension (formerly known as a pardon) in Canada requires absolute accuracy. When you submit your application to the Parole Board of Canada (PBC), leaving out a historical summary conviction or an old indictable offence can result in your application being rejected or severely delayed. For individuals who have had multiple interactions with the law, relying solely on memory is a massive risk.
This is where filing an ATIP request becomes a strategic advantage. Whether you live in Toronto, Calgary, or Halifax, using federal freedom of information laws allows you to pull your entire internal police dossier. It is highly recommended to consult with a Canadian criminal defence lawyer from our directory to help interpret the complex police codes in your file and ensure your Record Suspension application is flawless. 🔍
Step-by-Step Process for Requesting Your RCMP ATIP in Canada
Requesting your personal information under the Privacy Act is a federal process managed entirely online. Most applicants find the system straightforward, but you must prove your identity securely. Here is how highly cautious applicants audit their records.
Step 1: Obtain Official Fingerprints
Before the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) will release your sensitive personal dossier, they must be certain of your identity. You will need to visit an accredited fingerprinting agency in your local city or a local police detachment to get a standard set of fingerprints taken specifically for a Privacy Act request. 👆
Step 2: Submit the Privacy Act Request Online
Navigate to the official ATIP Online Request portal managed by the Government of Canada. When prompted, select that you are making a request under the “Privacy Act” (which is for personal information) rather than the Access to Information Act. You will select the RCMP as the target institution and upload your scanned fingerprint document.
Step 3: Wait for the Dossier and Review It
Once submitted, the RCMP will process your request and eventually send you a secure digital package containing your complete internal file. This dossier will include arrest reports, CPIC entries, and investigation notes. Review this document carefully to identify every single charge, regardless of whether it resulted in a conviction, absolute discharge, or was withdrawn. 📚
Step 4: Cross-Reference with Court Documents
With your complete police history in hand, you can confidently approach the specific courthouses where your cases were heard. You will need to request official court dispositions for every conviction listed in your ATIP dossier. This ensures you do not miss any mandatory waiting periods before applying for your official Record Suspension.
How Much Does it Cost in Canada?
Auditing your own police file is remarkably affordable, as the Canadian government does not charge citizens to access their own personal data under the Privacy Act.
- Privacy Act ATIP Request: $0 CAD. There is no government fee to request your own personal information.
- Fingerprinting Services: $50 to $100 CAD. Local police stations or accredited private agencies charge this fee to take and digitize your fingerprints.
- Record Suspension Application Fee: $50 CAD. Paid to the Parole Board of Canada when you finally submit your pardon application.
- Court Document Fees: Usually $15 to $30 CAD per document, depending on the provincial courthouse.
| Service Type | Estimated Cost (CAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| RCMP ATIP Request | $0 | Must be filed under the Privacy Act |
| Fingerprinting | $50 – $100 | Required for identity verification |
| Parole Board Fee | $50 | Submitted with final pardon package |
How Long Does the Process Take?
Under Canadian law, government institutions are legally required to respond to a Privacy Act request within 30 days. However, if the RCMP is experiencing a high volume of requests or needs to consult with local police forces (like the Vancouver Police Department), they may claim a legal extension of an additional 30 to 60 days.
Because of this timeline, auditing your record can add 1 to 3 months to your overall Record Suspension journey. It is best to initiate this ATIP request long before your mandatory waiting period (5 years for a summary conviction or 10 years for an indictable offence) is completely finished. ⌛
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does filing an ATIP speed up my Record Suspension application?
No. An ATIP request is solely for your own personal research and preparation. It does not initiate the official pardon process, nor does it make the Parole Board of Canada review your file any faster.
Will the RCMP or local police know why I am asking for my file?
The ATIP office will simply process your request for information. You are legally entitled to see your own data under the Privacy Act, and you do not need to provide a reason for the request.
What if I find a charge on my ATIP that does not belong to me?
If someone used your identity during an arrest, or if there is a clerical error, you must request a formal correction to your CPIC record. A criminal defence lawyer can assist you with the complex legal process of clearing a false record.
Do I absolutely need a lawyer to file an ATIP request?
While you can file the online request yourself, interpreting the complex police codes and ensuring every charge is properly addressed on your Record Suspension application is much safer with professional legal help. Browse our directory to find a lawyer near you.
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