What is the CPIC? A Look at Canada’s Police Information Database

In Canada, details of an individual’s criminal record are stored on a central database known as the Canadian Police Information Center, or “CPIC.” The database is maintained by the RCMP and is considered to be the chief source of information about criminal records in Canada.

The CPIC database contains information on all persons who are of special interest to or under surveillance by police, whether they are wanted, accused or on probation. This information is disseminated to government departments and authorized law enforcement agencies throughout Canada, the U.S. and abroad for security investigations.

Individuals who have been convicted of offences and have subsequently been rehabilitated can seek a pardon, which is where National Pardon Center comes in. We help offenders who have served their full sentence to apply to the Parole Board of Canada for a pardon. Once granted, the pardon restricts the RCMP and other agencies in the handling and disclosure of records of pardoned offences.

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 access your file without prior written permission from the Minister of Public Safety.

For more information on how to obtain a pardon for previous offenses, contact National Pardon Centre today. 1-866-242-2411.