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Where criminal record information on your CRB certificate comes from

All criminal record information recorded on your CRB certificate is taken from the Police National Computer (PNC).

CRB certificates contain details of all convictions that are held on the PNC as well as details of any cautions, reprimands or final warnings. The CRB will disclose any information that is recorded by the police on the PNC.

Details of any convictions will stay on the PNC until your 100th birthday.

If you're concerned about the data held about you on the PNC, ask to talk to the data protection officer at your local police force.

• Criminal records - what they are (crime and justice section)

• Criminal record information on a CRB certificate - find out more Opens new window

Where non-conviction information on your CRB certificate comes from

Non-conviction information which the police think is relevant to the position applied for is provided by the police from their local records.

The Chief Police Officer from each force will decide what, if any, information to provide.

• Non-conviction information on a CRB certificate - find out more Opens new window

What to do if there's a mistake on your CRB certificate

If there’s a mistake on your certificate you can use the CRB’s disputes process to let them know. You should try and contact the CRB within three months from the date printed on your certificate.

There are two types of disputes:

• data entry dispute – when personal information, for example your name, date of birth or address is incorrect
• data source dispute – when you think criminal record information on your certificate is wrong

You need to:

• tell the person who asked you to apply for the check about the error, as they will also have a copy of the certificate
• decide whether you’d like to contact the CRB yourself or whether they should

What to do if you have a data entry dispute

If you believe some of your personal details are incorrectly listed on the certificate, you should let the CRB know as soon as possible using the link below.

The CRB will look into your dispute, and if the CRB made the mistake you will be issued with a new certificate free of charge. But if the CRB finds that the mistake was made by you, or whoever sent in your application, you will have to re-apply for a new certificate. You will also have to pay the appropriate fee to get the certificate changed.

• Data entry dispute form Opens new window

What to do if you have a data source dispute

If you believe your certificate contains criminal record information that is incorrect or does not belong to you, you’ll need to contact the CRB. You'll need to complete a data source disputes form, sign the document, and post it to:

Freepost NWW5699A
Disputes team
PO Box 165
Liverpool L69 3JD

To resolve the dispute, it may be necessary for your fingerprints to be taken. If this happens, the CRB will let you know what the next steps are.

You can call the CRB disputes line on 0870 90 90 811 for more information.

• Data source dispute form Opens new window

What happens next with your dispute?

If you think information released by the Chief Police Officer(s) is not relevant to the position or workforce, or ought not to be disclosed, your dispute will also follow the Independent Monitor review process.

If your dispute is upheld, the CRB will look to correct the errors and arrange to process a new certificate free of charge.

If your dispute is not upheld, the CRB may not be able to do anything else, but will give you the relevant contact details of who to speak to next.

What happens if your CRB certificate is lost or destroyed?

If your certificate is lost or destroyed, the CRB can't provide a replacement certificate.

How to contact the Criminal Records Bureau

CRB helpline for all general enquiries: 0870 9090 811
8.00 am to 6.00 pm on weekdays
10.00 am to 5.00 pm on Saturday (closed Sunday and public holidays)
Or use the online enquiry form link below.

There is a separate number for transgender applicants only. Any general enquiries received on this number cannot be dealt with or transferred. There is an answerphone service available for this number where you can leave your name and contact number and a member of the team will call you back.

Transgender applicants tel: 0151 676 1452 or email:

If something goes wrong, find out how the CRB handles complaints and what they can do to help you by using the link below.

All calls to the CRB are recorded for training and security purposes. Security questions will be asked to verify your identity.

• Complete the enquiry form and send it as an attachment via email or by post Opens new window

• CRB complaints process Opens new window

• CRB contact channels - other ways to get in touch Opens new window