Get a copy of your police records
You have the right to ask for a copy of records the police have about you. This is called a ‘subject access request’.
You might need a subject access request if you move to another country.
A subject access request is intended for personal use and covers records held on the Police National Computer by:
- police forces in England, Wales, Guernsey, Jersey and the Isle of Man
- the British Transport Police
You can contact ACRO to make a subject access request. It’s free.
The process is different if you need to request records from Scotland or request records from Northern Ireland.
Other people (such as an employer or landlord) cannot tell you to make a subject access request so they can have this information about you.
Police certificates for visa applications
You can contact ACRO to request a police certificate.
You may need a certificate if you’re applying for a visa or emigrating to some countries, including:
- Australia
- Belgium
- Canada
- New Zealand
- South Africa
- the USA
Personal record requests from other organisations
You can also request your personal records from the following organisations: