> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.zulma.ca/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Vulnerable sector police check

> The vulnerable sector police check you provide before your first in-home job: what it is, where to book it, what it costs, and how often to renew.

Because Zulma sends Pros into people's homes, you provide a **vulnerable sector police check** before your first in-home job. It is one of the things you set up after you are approved, alongside your insurance.

<Info>
  A vulnerable sector check is a police record check that also screens for records relevant to working with vulnerable people. You book it through your local police service, not through Zulma.
</Info>

## When you need it

You do not need the police check to get approved. You are approved on your government ID, your profile photo, and your background check. The vulnerable sector police check comes next, before you accept your first in-home job.

<Note>
  This is separate from the background check you complete during onboarding. The background check is part of getting approved. The vulnerable sector police check is a document you obtain from your local police service and upload before your first job.
</Note>

## How to get one

<Steps>
  <Step title="Contact your local police service">
    In Niagara, that is the Niagara Regional Police Service. Look for "police record check" or "vulnerable sector check" on their website. Many services let you start the request online.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Apply and verify your identity">
    You will need government-issued ID. Some services ask you to apply online and then confirm your identity in person or electronically.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Pay the fee">
    You pay the police service directly. The fee is typically around \$55, though it varies by service.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Receive your check and upload it">
    When your check is ready, open your application in the Pro app and upload it. A reviewer confirms it, then it is on file.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Cost and timing

| Detail          | What to expect                                        |
| --------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- |
| Who you pay     | Your local police service, directly                   |
| Cost            | Around \$55, varies by service                        |
| Processing time | Varies by service; some are quick, others take longer |
| Renewal         | Every 12 months                                       |

<Tip>
  Start your police check early. Processing time is set by the police service, not by Zulma, so requesting it as soon as you are approved means it is ready when you want your first job.
</Tip>

## Keep it current

Renew your vulnerable sector police check every 12 months so it never lapses. We flag it before it expires. If it lapses, you will not be offered new in-home jobs until a current check is back on file.

## Next steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Your \$2M insurance" href="/cleaners/insurance-requirements" icon="shield">
    Another before-first-job requirement: what valid coverage shows and how to get it.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Identity and background checks" href="/cleaners/identity-and-checks" icon="badge-check">
    The ID verification and background check you complete to get approved.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

Questions about your police check? Email [support@zulma.ca](mailto:support@zulma.ca).