Location unveiled for record checks

By Roger Knox - Vernon Morning Star  Published: November 25, 2011 1:00 AM

Residents of Vernon, Coldstream and Lavington have a new locale for getting criminal record checks done.  Rather than go to the Vernon RCMP detachment, checks can now be completed at the community policing office in downtown Vernon.  “The people at the community policing office will help you fill out the criminal record checks as they do take a bit of time, and they can answer some of your questions,” said Vernon-North Okanagan RCMP spokesperson Gord Molendyk. The move will also help alleviate some of the pressure for the Vernon RCMP front-office staff, who regularly handles criminal records checks while also taking complaints about other files from residents.  The checks, which take about three weeks to a month to complete, can also be picked up at the community policing office, which is located in the Sun Valley Mall at #101-3334-30th Avenue. Lavington residents who feel they are closer to Lumby can have checks conducted at the Lumby RCMP.  Residents of Armstrong, Spallumcheen and Enderby can go to their respective detachments.  The checks are for volunteer activities, such as coaching sports, helping at schools or working with community groups such as boy scouts and girl guides.  Anybody who needs a check done as part of a job hiring process must continue to go through the provincial government. Anybody wishing to volunteer for the B.C. Winter Games in Vernon can have checks done and completed at the Games office on 31st Avenue (old Vernon Flower Shop).