Information on PNC

Freedom of information request reference no: 01.FOI.23.029002

I note you seek access to the following information:

For what reason, or under what circumstances could information on PNC remain undetected until 12yrs after it was entered into the system?

Further information:
I wish to know, how could digital data that was entered into the PNC remain undetected for 12yrs, and how can it all of a sudden manifest itself after such a long period of time undetected?

Decision

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

Please find below information pursuant to your request above.

Depending on a PNC entry this may determine how long the information remains on PNC for, a few examples below:

1) Arrests entered onto PNC post 12 December 2005 remain indefinitely irrespective of the outcome
2) Conviction details prior to above date were subject to weeding albeit would need a 10 year clear period before removal. Any that did not have a clear period prior to the date would be visible on PNC
3) Wanted/missing reports have an initial life span of 3 years and these are reviews prior to deletion to ensure they remain on the system if required
4) Court orders placed on PNC remain visible until the order expires, at which point the system automatically deletes the entry. Details of the order being issued, if part of a conviction, will remain visible on the disposal (dh) page.
5) It remains possible therefore that the PNC was accurate and there was human error by whichever party ran the searches so the information.

If the information is recorded on PNC then it should be visible to whoever has the relevant PNC access, whether in the MPS or nationally.

If I can be of further assistance regarding this matter please do let me know and I will see if an officer can assist you outside of the FOIA as you questions are very specific to yourself.