PNC Arrest Record Removal Lawyers | Olliers Solicitors

Removal of Fingerprint/DNA and Police National Computer (PNC) Arrest Records

Following the Hillsborough investigation, the previous Management of Policing Information (2005) was reviewed and replaced in July 2023 by the new Code of Practice on Police Information and Records Management (PIRM). This change was designed to bring greater fairness, consistency and transparency to the way police forces across the country handle what they call “operational information.” In reality, this means ensuring that deeply personal details about people’s lives are managed carefully, responsibly and with proper oversight.

When someone is arrested, it can be an overwhelming and frightening experience. On top of the shock and stress, the police will routinely take DNA and fingerprint samples – your biometric information, which are then stored on national databases such as the National DNA Database (NDNAD) and the National Fingerprint Database (IDENT1). A record of the arrest, and everything that followed, is also entered on the Police National Computer (PNC). For many people, knowing this information is kept indefinitely can feel intrusive, unsettling, and deeply unfair, especially when the case may have gone nowhere or you have done nothing wrong.

Under the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012, the police may retain your biometric information if you are charged and/or convicted of an offence, including some out-of-court disposals like cautions or Penalty Notices for Disorder (PNDs). However, there are also circumstances where this information should be automatically deleted without you having to ask. Despite these safeguards, many people still find themselves with records that linger far longer than feels reasonable.

The police are required to keep information only for as long as necessary, but in practice this can vary widely depending on the nature of the case. In some situations, records on the PNC can remain until a person reaches 100 years of age. We believe this is not always justified. We understand how distressing it can be to learn that these records still exist, particularly when they relate to incidents that resulted in no further action or are based on information you know to be inaccurate.

Our role is to take that weight off your shoulders. We listen. We understand the anxiety and frustration that comes with having sensitive information held about you. And we are here to guide you through the process of challenging those records, explaining clearly what can be done and supporting you every step of the way.

I was arrested but not charged by the police. Will the police keep my DNA and a record of my arrest?

If you are arrested but not charged with a minor offence and do not have any previous convictions then your fingerprints/DNA will be automatically deleted at the conclusion of the investigation, without any action required by you. However a record of your arrest will still remain on PNC and an application for removal of this will need to be made under the Record Deletion Process.

If you are arrested but not charged for a qualifying offence (a more serious offence) then again your DNA/fingerprints should automatically be deleted unless you have any previous convictions. Again, a record of your arrest will still remain on PNC and an application for removal of this will need to be made under the Record Deletion Process.

However if you do have any previous convictions the information will be retained for a period of 3 years. The police can also make an application to the Biometrics Commissioner to retain your information for a period of three years and you will then not be able to use the Record Deletion Process.

I was found not guilty at court. Can I apply to have my DNA/Fingerprints removed?

Yes. If you are arrested and charged by the police but subsequently not convicted then you may apply for the deletion of your biometric data and PNC records if you have no previous convictions (for some minor offences the data will be automatically deleted). You will need to be able to satisfy the necessary grounds for such application. If your application is successful records of fingerprints will be deleted from IDENT1 and your DNA profile will be deleted from NDNAD together with the associated PNC record.

I was given a Penalty Notice for Disorder (PND). Can I apply to have my DNA removed?

If you were given a Penalty Notice for Disorder (PND) then this is classed as a conviction and so your biometric information would ordinarily be retained for a period of two years. However, it is possible to make an application for your fingerprints/DNA to be removed if you fit the necessary grounds for making such an application.

I want my fingerprint/DNA/record of arrest removed from the police database – what should I do?

Contact Olliers Solicitors and we are able to assess whether you meet the criteria for an application of deletion of your PNC record and/or biometric information and make such application for you for a fixed fee. If you do fit the criteria for an application then specialist advice should be sought as you would need to be able to demonstrate that you meet the necessary grounds and evidence the same. We have successfully applied for the deletion of biometric data and record of arrest on behalf of numerous clients who understandably do not wish for the same to be retained when they have never been convicted of a crime.

How Olliers Solicitors Can Help You

Olliers Solicitors is a specialist criminal defence law firm with a dedicated team that deals with record deletion. We have extensive experience helping clients who have information recorded on the PNC and PND, and we understand the sensitivity of these cases. Our team has successfully guided many individuals through the record deletion process, often achieving positive outcomes where the client’s information has been removed. When you choose Olliers to assist with your record deletion matter, here’s what you can expect from us:

Expert Guidance and Understanding: Our lawyers will listen to your side of the story with empathy and discretion. We know that these situations can be emotionally taxing. From the moment you contact us, we aim to provide reassurance and clear advice. We’ll explain what the allegations mean in practical terms and what the record deletion process entails so you’re never in the dark.
A Tailored Plan for Your Response: Every case is different. We will quickly assess the details of your case and work with you to develop a strategy for your representations. Drawing on our experience, we’ll advise you on exactly what argument to put forward to achieve the best result. Our team has a keen eye for what the police are looking for in a strong response. We will help gather and organise these materials.
Skilful Drafting of Representations: One of our core strengths is drafting persuasive representations to the police. We know how to address their concerns in a clear, professional manner. We make sure to highlight positive information about you that the police might not be aware of. Our lawyers will present your case in the best possible way, using legal knowledge and precedent from our many past cases to support your arguments. The goal is to demonstrate why retaining your information would be unnecessary and disproportionate.
Keeping You Informed: Throughout the process, we handle communication with the police on your behalf, so you don’t have the stress of dealing with it alone. We will update you at each stage and let you know if any further information is requested. You’ll have a direct contact in our team (including phone and email access) so you can ask questions at any time. We believe in being approachable and supportive, so you always feel you have someone on your side.
Vast Experience and Proven Success: Our team has a strong track record of success in record deletion cases. We have helped clients from all walks of life with record deletion by making compelling arguments on their behalf. In some cases where clients came to us after being refused deletion, we have also achieved success in appealing the decision. Some examples of our successful cases are described below, to illustrate what can be achieved with the right approach.

In short, our specialist lawyers are here to fight your corner. We combine legal expertise with a compassionate understanding of your personal situation. Our aim is simple: to have your details removed from the PNC, and to protect your future.

Relevant articles

Recent Success

Olliers have successfully applied for deletion of PNC Records relating to arrest:

2026 – KN – Successful application for record deletion, following false allegations of sexual assault.
2026 – RS – Successful application for record deletion in relation to three counts of sexual assault against their former housemate, where client was acquitted.
2026 – CT – Successful application for record deletion in relation to four counts of sexual assault, where client was acquitted.
2026 – CS – successful PNC application for record removal in relation to attempted rape and sexual assault.
2025 – KP – successful PNC application for record removal in relation to possession of extreme pornography
2025 – GR – successful PNC application for record removal in relation to possession with intent to supply
2025 – LM – successful PNC application for record removal in relation to a historic caution for sexual assault
2025 – JOD – Successful application for record deletion in relation to an allegation of making off without payment.
2025 – MC – Successful application for record deletion, after receiving a juvenile reprimand for theft.
2025 – FB – Successful application for record deletion in relation to an allegation of assault occasioning bodily harm (ABH), where client was acquitted.
2025 – SS – Successful application for record deletion in relation to two allegations of common assault against their partner.
2025 – AH – Successful application for record deletion in relation to a battery offence in which a juvenile reprimand was received.
2025 – TML – Successful application for record deletion in relation to two false allegations of ABH against their mother
2025 – MC – Successful application to delete their record off the locally-held system (PND), after receiving a juvenile reprimand for theft.
2025 – AH – Successful application to delete their record off the locally-held system (PND), after receiving a juvenile reprimand for ABH.
2025 – MI – Successful application to delete their record off the locally-held system (PND), following false allegations made by a family members, including allegations of rape, burglary and intimidating witnesses.
2025 – FJ – Successful application for record deletion in relation to a false allegation of abuse against their autistic child
2025 – AM – Application for record deletion in relation to allegations of ABH, Rape, Common Assault and Harassment
2025 – RB – Application for a record deletion appeal in relation to allegations of assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH) in a domestic setting
2025 – JV – Application for record deletion in relation to a false allegation of domestic abuse by third-party
2025 – JL – Successful application for record deletion in relation to an allegation of fraud by false representation
2025 – FJ – Submitting a SAR to the Police for information held on the PND
2025 – TML – Submitting a SAR to ACRO for information held on the PNC and to the local Police force for information held on the PND
2025 – ML – Application for record deletion in relation to IIOC on their devices
2025 – GW – Successfully deleted record of arrest following an allegation of sexual assault at a music concert
2025 – OK – Successfully deleted record of a historic caution following an incident of theft
2025 – SE – Successful application for record deletion in relation to allegation of sexual assault against a minor where client has complex needs, including autism.
2025 – FJ – Successful application for record deletion in relation to a false allegation of abuse against their autistic child
2025 – AM – Application for record deletion in relation to allegations of ABH, Rape, Common Assault and Harassment
2025 – RB – Application for a record deletion appeal in relation to allegations of assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH) in a domestic setting
2025 – JV – Application for record deletion in relation to a false allegation of domestic abuse by third-party
2025 – JL – Successful application for record deletion in relation to an allegation of fraud by false representation
2025 – FJ – Submitting a SAR to the Police for information held on the PND
2025 – TML – Submitting a SAR to ACRO for information held on the PNC and to the local Police force for information held on the PND
2025 – ML – Application for record deletion in relation to IIOC on their devices
2025 – TML – Application for record deletion in relation to two false allegations of ABH against their mother
2025 – AH – Application for record deletion in relation to an assault in which a juvenile reprimand was received
2025 – GW – Successfully deleted record of arrest following an allegation of sexual assault at a music concert
2025 – OK – Successfully deleted record of a historic caution following an incident of theft
2025 – SE – Successful application for record deletion in relation to allegation of sexual assault against a minor where client has complex needs, including autism.

Frequently asked questions

What information can be deleted from my PNC Record?

We can lodge an application for any information that resulted in No Further Action to be deleted. In some circumstances, we can also apply for cautions to be deleted but this would depend upon the administration of the caution and for how long you have had the caution.

We cannot apply to have convictions removed as the police do not have the authority.

I was arrested but not charged by the police. Will the police keep my DNA?

If you were arrested but not charged: If it was a minor offence and you have no previous convictions, your DNA and fingerprints are automatically deleted once the investigation ends. If it was a more serious offence, they are also automatically deleted, as long as you have no previousconvictions. If you do have previous convictions, your DNA and fingerprints can be kept for up to three years. Police can also apply to keep your DNA and fingerprints for three years even without a charge. If this happens, you cannot ask for deletion during that time.

I was arrested but not charged by the police. Will the police keep my record of arrest?

A record of your arrest stays on the Police National Computer (PNC) even if you were not charged. To remove this, you must apply through the Record Deletion Process. It is not automatic.

I’ve been arrested/cautioned - will the police tell my employer?

Depending on the nature of the allegation, it is more likely that the police will disclose your arrest/caution if you work in a role considered to be regulated activity; working with children and/or vulnerable adults.

The police an also disclose information on an enhanced DBS certificate. If you have information on a DBS certificate that you disagree with, please contact us. We can lodge a Certificate Dispute to have the information removed.

I was found not guilty at court. Can I apply to have my DNA/Fingerprints removed?

I was given a Penalty Notice for Disorder (PND). Can I apply to have my DNA removed?

If my conviction is spent, why are my details still on the PNC?

If you have a spent conviction on record under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 you do not necessarily have to inform an employer.

However, the police do not have the authority to delete convictions from the PNC and they have a duty to disclose certain information which supersedes the ROA1974. A Basic DBS certificate will only show unspent convictions and cautions. A Standard certificate will show all spent AND unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings. An Enhanced certificate will show all the above and anything that is recorded on the PNC that the police think relevant to disclose to an employer. Generally speaking, most youth cautions received under the age of 18 will not be disclosed unless they are for really serious and/or safeguarding offences.

Can I obtain information about myself from the police?

Yes! Individuals have the right to obtain any information held in their name by any organisation. An application should be made to both ACRO (the Criminal Records Office) and the local police force directly. Should you require any assistance please do contact us.

I want my fingerprint/DNA/record of arrest removed from the police database – what should I do?

Contact Olliers Solicitors and we are able to assess whether you meet the criteria for an application of deletion of your PNC record and/or biometric information and make such application for you for a fixed fee. If you do fit the criteria for an application then specialist advice should be sought as you would need to be able to demonstrate that you meet the necessary grounds and evidence the same. We have successfully applied for the deletion of biometric data and record of arrest on behalf of numerous clients who understandably do not wish for the same to be retained when they have never been convicted of a crime.

What’s the difference between the Police National Computer (PNC) and the Police National Database (PND)?

The Police National Computer is managed by ACRO and contains official criminal record information that resulted in arrests, cautions, convictions, reprimands and warnings. It will also show outstanding warrants, other court orders, driving disqualifications and any pending court cases, as well as information from the DVLA. This database can also be accessed by other organisations.

The Police National Database allows information sharing between forces. It contains ‘soft’ local intelligence information, that being investigations that resulted in no further action, allegations, etc. Information from the PND can in some circumstances be disclosed on DBS certificates but this will be decided on a case by case basis.

I am under investigation by the police – can this be deleted?

If the police have an ongoing case we cannot apply to have the records deleted. The case must have concluded in the first instance.

What happens if my application for record deletion is rejected?

If the police reject your application, we may be able to assist by lodging an appeal, but this must be done within three months of the decision letter. We will be able to provide advice on the chances of success at appeal and what information we require in order to strengthen this. Please do contact us to discuss this further.

If the appeal is rejected then you would need to lodge a complaint to the Information Commissioner’s Office who will investigate whether the police have exceeded their information rights obligations. Please note, we do not deal with the ICO.

Need a Fingerprint/DNA Removal/PNC Arrest Record Specialist Lawyer

Contact our specialist record removal team to discuss how Olliers can help you successfully make an application for record deletion by telephone on 0161 8341515, by email to dbs@olliers.com or by completing the form below.

Police National Computer (PNC) Arrest Record Removal

Removal of Fingerprint/DNA and Police National Computer (PNC) Arrest Records

I was arrested but not charged by the police. Will the police keep my DNA and a record of my arrest?

I was found not guilty at court. Can I apply to have my DNA/Fingerprints removed?

I was given a Penalty Notice for Disorder (PND). Can I apply to have my DNA removed?