FOI Conviction Records (0405-2022/23)

Request

Can you please tell me how long you keep conviction records on file?  Would you for example have records going back to 1975?

Response

Extent and Result of Searches to Locate Information

To locate the information relevant to your request searches were conducted within North Yorkshire Police. I can confirm that the information you have requested is held by North Yorkshire Police.

Decision

I have today decided to disclose the located information to you.

Conviction records may be kept on the Police National Computer and local force systems.

Records held on local force systems are retained in line with the College of Policing Management of Police Information Authorised Professional Practice:  Retention, review and disposal | College of Policing.  Retention periods depend on the nature of the offence.

Conviction records for recordable offences are currently retained on the Police National Computer (PNC) until the subject is deemed to have reached 100 years of age.  Information on what constitutes a recordable offence can be found on the ACRO website ACRO Criminal Records Office - Explanation of Terms.

In the case of records dating back to 1975, I would recommend the subject submits a request to ACRO to ascertain whether records are still held on the PNC, as retention procedures have changed over time. 

They may also make a Request for Access to records to the local force, under the Data Protection Act 2018 in relation to locally held records: Information Rights | North Yorkshire Police.

Please note that systems used for recording information are not generic, nor are the procedures used locally in capturing the data.  It should be noted therefore that this force’s response to your questions should not be used for comparison purposes with any other responses you may receive.