Deletion of Records from the Police National Computer

The Criminal Justice Statistics quarterly in England and Wales indicate that 1.59 million individuals were dealt with by the Criminal Justice System in 2018 and 1.38 million defendants were prosecuted.

On arrest a record is made of the individual to include their DNA and biometric data. Even if a that person is falsely accused and released without charge, their record remains on the Police National Computer.

Can anything be done to erase record of arrest?

Deletion of your records from the Police National Computer is done via an application to the Chief Constable. As the deletion is not automatic, the application must include detailed representations to fit the relevant criteria to represent that the police should use their discretion to ensure the record is deleted.

We have successfully applied on behalf of numerous clients for their records to be deleted from the Police National Computer, particularly after their acquittal in criminal proceedings that we have successfully defended. Otherwise, even after an acquittal, your DBS and ability to travel outside the UK where visa are required will often be affected.

Contact us now to arrange an appointment, for further information or to arrange a callback