How to Delete Your Local Police Records

If you have ever been arrested, cautioned, convicted, warned, issued with a penalty notice, or simply questioned by the police, you may have a local police record that could affect your future opportunities. Local police records are different from national police records, which are held on the Police National Computer (PNC). Local police records are held by individual police forces, which can be transfer to the Police National Database (PND), and contain information that is not recorded on the PNC, such as intelligence reports, occurrence summaries, and custody records.

Local police records can be disclosed via an enhanced DBS certificate to employers, educational institutions, immigration authorities, and other organisations that conduct background checks on you. This could have a negative impact on your chances of getting a job, a visa, a scholarship, or a licence. Local police records can also be used by the police to make decisions about your involvement in future investigations or proceedings.

If you want to delete your local police records, you need to apply to the relevant police force and request them to do so. However, this is often not a straightforward process and there are many factors that the police will consider before deciding whether to grant your request or not. The police will follow Guidelines that set out the principles and standards for the review, retention, and disposal of policing information and records.

According to the police Guidelines the police will only delete your local records if they are satisfied that:

• The local police records are no longer necessary for any policing purpose. This means that the records do not serve any of the following purposes: protecting life and property; preserving order; preventing the commission of offences; bringing offenders to justice; and any duty or responsibility arising from common or statute law.

• The retention of the records is not proportionate to the legitimate aim pursued. This means that the records are not relevant, adequate, or excessive in relation to the purpose for which they are held, and that there is no less intrusive way of achieving that purpose.

• The retention of the records is not in accordance with the law. This means that the records are not compliant with the legal obligations and rights arising from domestic and international law, such as the Data Protection Act 2018, the Human Rights Act 1998, and the European Convention on Human Rights.

The police will also take into account other factors, such as:

• The nature and seriousness of the offence or incident that led to the creation of the record.

• The outcome of the investigation or proceeding that followed the record.

• The age and vulnerability of the person at the time of the record.

• The impact of the record on the person’s personal and professional life.

• The risk of harm or reoffending posed by the person.

• The public interest in retaining or deleting the record.

Local police records are also subject to regular reviews, which are triggered by certain events or time periods. The purpose of these reviews is to determine whether the records are still necessary and proportionate for any policing purpose, and whether they should be retained or disposed of. The reviews are carried out by the police force that holds the records, in accordance with the Police Guidelines.

The frequency and timing of the reviews depend on various factors, such as:

• The type and category of the record. For example, records relating to serious offences, public protection issues, or vulnerable people may require longer retention periods and more frequent reviews than records relating to minor offences, low-risk individuals, or general intelligence.

• The outcome and status of the investigation or proceeding that followed the record. For example, records relating to convicted offenders, ongoing cases, or unresolved matters may require longer retention periods and more frequent reviews than records relating to acquitted persons, closed cases, or resolved matters.

• The age and circumstances of the person at the time of the record. For example, records relating to children, young people, or mentally disordered persons may require shorter retention periods and more frequent reviews than records relating to adults or mentally competent persons.

• The impact and risk of the record on the person’s rights and interests. For example, records that have a negative effect on the person’s employment, education, immigration, or reputation may require shorter retention periods and more frequent reviews than records that have no or minimal impact on the person’s life.

The police will review each case individually and make a decision based on all the available evidence. They will inform you of their decision in writing and explain their reasons. If they refuse to delete your record, you can challenge their decision by making a complaint to the police force or by applying for a judicial review in court.

Once a review request is submitted to the police force concerned, they will review your request and decide whether it is necessary and proportionate to keep your records or not. They will consider all the factors mentioned above, as well as any other relevant information. They will inform you of their decision in writing and explain their reasons.

If you are not satisfied with their decision, you can challenge it by making a complaint to the police force or by applying for a judicial review in court. However, these options can be costly, time-consuming, and stressful. That is why you may need expert legal advice and representation that specialises in deleting local police records. We have extensive experience in applying for the deletion of police records; we specialise exclusively in helping clients have police records removed from the PNC , local records and DBS certificates.

We will assess your case and advise you on the best course of action. We will draft and submit your application to the police force and liaise with them on your behalf. We will also challenge any negative decision and pursue your case until you get a satisfactory outcome.

We have helped many clients successfully delete their local police records and move on with their lives. We have a proven track record of achieving positive results for our clients in a fast and efficient manner. We offer a fixed fee service with no hidden costs, and we will provide you with a comprehensive and frank advice during an initial consultation.

If you want to delete your local police records, contact us today and let us help you clear your name. Don’t let your past hold you back – get in touch with us now and start your journey towards a brighter future.