Searching For a Criminal Record

Your search for a UK criminal record will vary hugely depending upon whose criminal record you are looking for, what is in their criminal record, where they lived when the criminal act took place, and other variables. Not every criminal records search uncovers the same things and in some cases additional searches must be made in order to find the information you’re looking for. A typical criminal records search may reveal:

  • Full name and aliases
  • Current and former addresses
  • Phone numbers and other contact information
  • Publicly available records of criminal offences

Our database is one of the most extensive private databases on the internet. If you are looking for a criminal record for an individual then proceed by typing the name of that individual in the search box above. Our resources and the resources of our partners are here to help you conduct UK criminal records searches quickly and easily.

 

UK Criminal Records – Requesting Information from the Police and Other Public Authorities

Ever wonder what kind of record you have with the police?  The Freedom of Information Act allows anyone to request copies of records held on them by public organisations, including UK criminal records.  If you have been arrested, the procedures set out in the Freedom of Information Act are what you should you to request a copy of your criminal record.  There are exceptions, however, set out by the Data Protection Act.  The procedures in this act allow police to edit any information about others in the data they release to you, and it also allows them to refuse to release information if it is likely to prevent the detection or prevention of crime in a particular case.
There are certain steps that must be followed when requesting UK criminal records.  The reasoning behind the procedures is to ensure that you are requesting information only on yourself, and the police do not have to release any information until they have reasonable proof that you are who you say you are.   They must respond in a timely manner, and at the most within 40 days of receiving the written request, fee, and identification.  They can provide a form for the request, and if you are requesting a copy of footage from CCTV, you must also provide a photograph. Generally your request should be made to your local police.  This means if you no longer live in the UK you should go to your local force.
UK Criminal records are not the only records that fall under this act.  Other organisations include:

The procedure for requesting records from any of these is the same generally speaking.  Criminal justice information can also be requested in much the same manner from police and prisons, but again it may be denied if it falls under the Data Protection Act.  They have 20 days to respond, and if they do not, you can ask for an internal review.
The Data Protection Act also does not prevent your records, including UK criminal records, from being released to other organization who request it in an effort to detect or prevent crime.  While these requests most often come from police, other organisations such as those put in place to detect and prevent benefits fraud can also request information.  There is no requirement that you be notified that information has been requested or released about you.

If you are ready to start your search for UK criminal records then a great place to do that is by using the search box at the top of this page. We have one of the most extensive private databases available in the UK for criminal records. Good luck with your search!