(Image: T&A)
A Keighley man is calling for changes to police record retention policies after discovering details of his arrest remain on police databases despite a criminal investigation ending with no further action.
The man, who wishes to remain anonymous, says he is campaigning for a review of the current system and believes people who are never charged or convicted of offences should have a clearer route to removing records from police databases.
His campaign follows an investigation into an allegation made against him, which was later closed by police without any charges being brought.
He said: "I was arrested, fully cooperated with a police investigation, and after months of enquiries the case concluded with no further action…I was never charged and never convicted of any offence."
Investigation Lasted Several Months
The man said he was arrested in May last year before being taken to Bradford for questioning.
He said he cooperated fully throughout the investigation, providing a statement and granting officers access to his devices.
According to the man, the investigation continued for several months before police informed him that no further action would be taken.
He said: "I just wanted to put it to bed and get on with my life,"
'My Life Is Still Being Affected'
However, he says he later learned information relating to the arrest remained on the Police National Computer (PNC).
The issue came to light when he applied to volunteer at a music festival but was unsuccessful following background checks.
He believes the retained record could continue to affect future opportunities.
He argued: "People shouldn't be punished if they've not done anything wrong,
"They've already been punished by having the police come and knock on the door, being taken away in handcuffs and being under investigation.
"Then they get told the case has been dropped and they can move on with their life, but you can't because it's still there in the background."
The man applied through the ACRO Criminal Records Office's Record Deletion Process, which allows individuals to request the removal of certain information held on police databases.
However, he says his application was refused on public interest grounds.
Police and ACRO Responses
A spokesperson for West Yorkshire Police said: "The retention of crime and offender data on police systems is managed in accordance with national guidance.
"If a request is made by an individual for the removal of their data from police systems, West Yorkshire Police will take their circumstances into account and consider the request in accordance with national policies forces follow.
"More information on how we manage, and store data can be found on our website."
ACRO said it manages the Police National Computer on behalf of police forces but is not responsible for decisions on whether records are retained or deleted. Those decisions are made by the force that owns the data.
The organisation said people who disagree with a decision can seek a review, complain to the Information Commissioner's Office or Independent Office for Police Conduct, or pursue a judicial review.
Calling for Policy Review
As part of his campaign, the man is urging a wider debate about how long arrest records should be retained when investigations end without charges or convictions.
He believes there should be greater transparency around the decision-making process and whether sufficient independent oversight exists.
Among the questions he wants policymakers to consider are whether records should be retained indefinitely for people who are never charged and what long-term impact those records can have on employment and volunteering opportunities.
"I think there are probably other people in the same situation," he said. "I'd like to hear from them and understand how it's affected their lives."