Police Reference Checks Procedure for Toronto Police Services
Recently, the Toronto Police Services Board announced changes to its policy for agency participation in the Police Reference Check Program for the Vulnerable Sector. These changes were announced in the March 27 letter to all agencies having a Memorandum of Understanding with the Toronto Police Services.
A requirement of the new policy is that every agency must certify that
- its management (and human resources personnel, if any) have an understanding of the Ontario Human Rights Code (the Code) as it applies to hiring and/or approval of volunteers and
- at least one agency member whose responsibility includes review and assessment of the suitability of volunteer applicants will receive training on the Code as it applies to volunteer selection.
The training requirement, according to the Toronto Police Services letter, "may be met ... through training on the Human Rights Code delivered by a consultant, the Ontario Human Rights Commission ... (through an agency like Volunteer Toronto ...) or through a study program undertaken by the responsible Agency member using resources available on the Commission’s website".
The Ontario Human Rights Commission is committed to ensuring that organizations receive the support they need to effectively meet their obligations under the Ontario Human Rights Code in the recruitment of volunteers and employees.
As well, the Commission is developing a policy statement on this issue.
Training
Volunteer Toronto is delivering training for not-for-profit and public sector organizations. Because of its mandate and funding agreements, Volunteer Toronto’s training is limited to non-profit and government organizations. Check Volunteer Toronto’s website for information about availability of the training. In the meantime, for-profit organizations have the options to engage a qualified consultant or use the "self study" option.
To comply with the "self-study" option the Commission is recommending that applicants should at least have read the following:
- Police Record Checks for Vulnerable Sector Screening
- Human Rights at Work - Third edition
(available at the Commission’s website OR available from Carswell; Toll Free (Canada & US): 1-800-387-5164; Toronto/International: 416-609-3800)
- Section IV.6.f: "Police Record Checks"
- Section IV.2., "Setting Job Requirements"
- Section IV.2.a.i., "Test for bona fide requirement"
- Section IV.2.a.ii, "Taking a proactive approach to bona fide requirements"
- Section IV.2.a.iii, "Requirements that are not bona fide"
- Section IV.2.b., "Identify and clearly describe essential requirements"