The CPIC or Canadian Police Information Center is an integrated and central database utilized by the law enforcement agencies for a range of matters. On top, the database ensures that every law enforcement personnel have access to unique information.
Also, around three million files are generated every year, giving responsibility on the shoulders of the respective agency to monitor and secure every information in the database.The database system has been approved and endorsed by the Treasury Board of Canada and started operating in the year 1972.
The database system is maintained by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and is stationed at the headquarters in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Also, the CPIC Canada is linked with the United States National Crime Information Center. However, not all information is shared such as wandering person registry information is not shared between the two countries.
To access the CPIC, a government agency must accept to comply with the rules and policies set in the CPIC Canada reference manual and attain an approval by the CPIC Advisory Committee.
The CPIC Advisory Committee comprises of 26 senior police officers from provincial police forces including the Ontario Police Commission and RCMP. The non-policing agencies require entering a memorandum of understanding with the RCMP and might often be audited for compliance.
What is Inside CPIC?
The Canadian government stores details of individuals’ criminal record on a central database “CPIC.” The database is managed by the RCMP and is thought to be the prime source of information about criminal records in Canada.
Also, the CPIC Canada consists of information of individuals who’re of special interest to police or concerned government agencies. In essence, these people could either be wanted, accused or may be on probation.
Also, the information is provided to the government department and law enforcement agencies throughout the Canada, the United States and sometimes to other nations upon request. Persons who have been convicted of crimes and offenses can seek pardon that is controlled by the National Pardon Center.
The National Pardon Center restricts the RCMO and more agencies in handling and sharing records of pardoned offenses. However, providing pardon is granted by the Canadian Government and holds the authority to seal anyone’s criminal record.
That said, a pardoned person’s records and charges will be removed and kept aside from active criminal records stored in the CPIC database.
Obtaining a pardon (also known as a record suspension) is granted by the federal government of Canada and will seal one’s criminal record. All charges and all convictions will be removed and kept separate from active criminal records stored in the CPIC database. Once a pardon is granted, no third party can
What Kind of Information can be found at CPIC?
CPIC is segregated into four sections,i.e., investigation, identifying, intelligence and Ancillary. The stored data holds information related to:
- Automobiles
- Wanted People
- Property
- Dental Characteristics
- Firearms
- CPIC Criminal Surveillance
- Criminal Record Synopsis
Authorized agencies can access all the records mentioned above after having permission from the CPIC Advisory Board.