How to Get a Fast Criminal Record Background Check
Using the 48 Hour Name Check Method

What is a 48 hour name check?

• Name Checks are criminal record background checks in Canada which are based upon a search of an individual’s name and date of birth only.

Booking an Appointment

• To schedule an appointment (Calgary office only), please click the blue button to the right.

Benefits of a 48 hour name check

• This type of search is quick and effective (only 48 hours) and is an alternative to fingerprint based screening.
• It is up to the employer to determine the possible risk that you may not really be certain of an individual’s identity.
• You can not be sure that the individual has provided all legal names they have ever gone by or been convicted of.
• Their particulars may also have been entered into the criminal record database incorrectly.

History of 48 hour name checks in Canada

• Name checks were common practice for years as a quick way of screening an individual to determine if they have a criminal record.
• As electronic fingerprint screening is most reliable (it is based upon fingerprints, name and date of birth) and often is completed in 2 weeks, more employers are electing to go with electronic fingerprint based screening.

What will the 48 hour name check search reveal?

• The 48 hour name search will not disclose the details of a criminal record.
• It will disclose (a) no criminal record associated with the applicant’s name and date of birth; or (b) a criminal record may be associated with with the applicant’s name and date of birth and must be verified by fingerprints.

When are fingerprints required?

• If your name and date of birth appears to be associated with a criminal record you will be required to then pay for digital fingerprinting.
• The purpose of the fingerprints is to (a) verify the criminal record is not associated with your fingerprints (meaning, you do NOT have a criminal record); or (b) verify you do have a criminal record and the proper person to receive the criminal record.

When is a 48 hour name search not appropriate?

• If you HAVE a criminal record, then a 48 hour name search is not appropriate.
• A 48 hour name search is not appropriate for pardons, record suspensions, waivers, immigration, citizenship, name changes, licensing, and employment or volunteering with the vulnerable sector.
• Click here for information on ink and digital fingerprinting.
• Click here for the link to the Calgary Police Website to find more information on vulnerable sector searches in Calgary

What Are the Two Types of Errors That Can Occur with Name Checks?

Name checks, an essential part of many background screenings, can sometimes produce errors that fall into two major categories:

False Positives:

These occur when a name check incorrectly flags someone as having a criminal record. This error typically arises when there are multiple individuals with the same or similar names. As a result, the check might mistakenly link an individual’s name to a criminal record, even though their fingerprint verification indicates no such record exists.

False Negatives:

In this scenario, a name check fails to detect a criminal record when one actually exists. This error means the name check result is clear, yet fingerprint analysis reveals the presence of criminal activity or history.

It’s crucial for these name check processes to be as accurate as possible to prevent these types of errors, whether for employment screenings, legal procedures, or any other situations where background confirmation is required. Using both name and fingerprint checks can help mitigate these issues by offering a more thorough and cross-referenced approach.