Can Police Notify My Employer?
As a law-abiding citizen, you have the right to privacy and confidentiality. However, in certain situations, the police may need to notify your employer about your involvement in a criminal investigation or your criminal record. But when can they do so, and what are the implications for your employment?
What are the circumstances that allow police to notify my employer?
The police may notify your employer under the following circumstances:
- Suspicion of a work-related crime: If the police suspect that you have committed a crime related to your employment, they may notify your employer to gather more information or to prevent potential harm to others.
- National security concerns: If the police believe that you pose a threat to national security, they may notify your employer to ensure the safety of the workplace and the public.
- Risk to public safety: If the police believe that you pose a risk to public safety, they may notify your employer to take necessary precautions to prevent harm to others.
- Employment-related benefits: If you are receiving employment-related benefits, such as workers’ compensation or unemployment benefits, the police may notify your employer to ensure that you are eligible for these benefits.
Can police notify my employer without my consent?
Yes, the police can notify your employer without your consent in certain situations. However, they are required to follow specific procedures and guidelines to ensure that your privacy is protected. The police may notify your employer:
- Under the Criminal Code: In some cases, the police may notify your employer under the Criminal Code, which allows them to disclose information to a third party, including your employer, if they believe it is necessary to prevent harm to others or to protect national security.
- Under the Canada Labour Code: The Canada Labour Code allows the police to notify your employer if they believe that you are a risk to public safety or if you have committed a work-related crime.
- Under the Freedom of Information Act: The police may notify your employer under the Freedom of Information Act, which allows them to disclose information to a third party, including your employer, if they believe it is necessary to prevent harm to others or to protect national security.
What are the implications for my employment?
If the police notify your employer about your involvement in a criminal investigation or your criminal record, it may have the following implications for your employment:
- Discrimination: Your employer may not discriminate against you based on your criminal record or involvement in a criminal investigation.
- Reasonable accommodations: Your employer may need to make reasonable accommodations to ensure your safety and the safety of others in the workplace.
- Background checks: Your employer may conduct background checks on you, which may include checking your criminal record.
- Termination of employment: In some cases, your employer may terminate your employment if they believe that your criminal record or involvement in a criminal investigation poses a risk to the workplace or the public.
Can I request that my employer keep my criminal record confidential?
Yes, you can request that your employer keep your criminal record confidential. However, this may not always be possible, as your employer may have a legal obligation to disclose your criminal record to others, such as potential employers or law enforcement agencies.
Table: Summary of Police Notification
| Circumstances | Can Police Notify Employer Without Consent? | Implications for Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Suspicion of work-related crime | Yes | Discrimination, reasonable accommodations, background checks |
| National security concerns | Yes | Termination of employment, reasonable accommodations |
| Risk to public safety | Yes | Termination of employment, reasonable accommodations |
| Employment-related benefits | Yes | Disclosure of benefits, reasonable accommodations |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the police may notify your employer about your involvement in a criminal investigation or your criminal record under certain circumstances. While this may have implications for your employment, it is important to note that your employer may not discriminate against you based on your criminal record or involvement in a criminal investigation. You can request that your employer keep your criminal record confidential, but this may not always be possible.
