Obtaining a VSS

(if you are interested, it is required for many classroom outreach opportunities. If you plan on obtaining a VSS, the process takes approximately 7-10 days, it is therefore highly recommended to apply for a VSS as soon as possible)

:**Please note that we unfortunately cannot accept a VSS obtained under another organization unless it was processed within the past 12 months. If you have received a VSS within the last year please email it directly to Abera (our regional coordinator), CC'ing myself and also including the sentence: " This is a copy of the original VSS which has not been altered in any way. "
- Instructions:
  - Volunteers who reside in Toronto can go directly to: https://www.tps.ca/ services/police-record-checks/ and click on “Fill out Form” or https://www2. policesolutions.ca/checks/ services/toronto/register.php to register for an account. Other regions police departments have a very similar form to complete, however may require an additional cover-letter, which can be accessed here
    
    Volunteer Cover Letter for TDSB Nov2021.docx
    
    Please make sure to use an email address that will be checked regularly as you will receive an update regarding VSS on this email address.
  - After completing the registration, volunteers are prompted to follow directions on screen for VSS:
    - Payments can be made online with a debit or credit card. The new fee for VSS for volunteers is: $26.72.
    - Volunteers will also need to submit copies of two pieces of government issued IDs (health cards are not accepted). One must include your photograph and signature, and one must include your full name and date of birth. Please see below for allowable ID’s.
  - When prompted use Let’s Talk Science’s agency code: 202309TPSON29374
  - After 30 days, results are no longer found online. Make sure volunteers download a copy of their results.
  - Once a volunteer’s VSS is completed with the Toronto Police Services, Let’s Talk Science as an agency should be made aware automatically. However, because we have not tried this out yet, we do not know exactly how this works. In the coming weeks, if you do have volunteers applying for VSS, please let me know so I can make sure to be on the lookout for any new notifications/prompts.

Acceptable forms of government issued identification:

Photo Identification: Driver’s Licence | Government Employment Card | Military Employment Card | Age of Majority Card | Canadian Citizenship Card | Indian Status Card | International Student Card | Passport | Permanent Resident Card | Firearms Acquisition Certificate | Ontario Photo Card | BYID Card (LCBO) | Canadian National Institute for the Blind Card
Non-Photo Identification: Birth Certificate | Baptismal Certificate | Hunting Licence | Fishing Licence | Ontario Outdoors Card | Hospital Card | Immigration Papers

I have already submitted a VSS, anything else?

Annual offence Declaration (AOD)

For all who have previously submitted their VSS, every year you must complete and submit an "Annual offense declaration" (AOD) form to ensure that your VSS remains valid. It is highly recommended to submit an AOD even if you are not sure whether you would be able to volunteer (just to keep your VSS status up to date and not let it expire with the TDSB Police Reference Office).
It takes under a minute to complete and sign
This must be completed and submitted to Abera, our regional coordinator, (at achelvaratnam@letstalkscience.ca) with myself CC'ed by November 29th 2024.