By Katie Richard
The Oshawa Express

Recent changes by federal authorities have caused delays for those looking for criminal background checks, Durham Police say.
System back-ups are now being felt for persons seeking Criminal Information Requests (CIR).
Individuals who are involved or hope to be involved in the Vulnerable Sector (VS), like coaches, daycare providers or those looking to work in seniors’ home and disabled groups may be affected.
Applications requiring this type of background check are now scrutinized through a more rigorous screening process, police say.
In addition to checking past and current criminal records, the VS checks now include a search of the pardoned sex offender database.
Last year in the region, VS screenings led to about 40 “potential matches” out of approximately 18,300 VS applications, which is 0.2 per cent of the time.
These 40 potential matches were then required to submit fingerprints, prolonging the screening process even further.
Recently, on July 19, 2010, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) announced enhancements to the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) system, which broadened the scope for VS potential matches.
Durham Police say in the first seven days after the new screening was implemented, they already had 78 “potential matches.” 
“If this trend continues, it is expected that approximately 15 per cent of VS checks will be identified as potential matches and therefore will experience delays in their response,” police say.
After an individual’s name comes up as a “potential match” they’ll receive a letter from the police explaining, in detail, the steps that must be followed in order for their VS check to be completed.
“It is important for the public to understand that under no circumstance does this notification confirm that the applicant is or is not a pardoned sex offender,” police explain, adding in almost all cases, the “possible match” is ruled out via fingerprints.
While Durham Police say they strive to meet a 10-day turnaround for non-fingerprint VS checks, the RCMP’s CPIC enhancement will delay the process significantly for applicants who require fingerprinting. 
Because of the new implementations, agencies that require individuals to submit Vulnerable Sector Criminal Information Requests should be aware of similar increases and delays, police say.
To try and speed up the process, DRPS is exploring the cost of a new computer system that could transmit the fingerprint files securely and directly to the RCMP to reduce the wait times.