HOW LONG MAY POLICE RETAIN RECORDS?

There is no single retention period that applies to every police record. The answer depends on the record, the outcome of the case, the police service and the governing legislation. A withdrawn charge or acquittal does not automatically erase every record of the investigation.

Fingerprints and photographs are not the whole file

A person who was charged but not convicted may be eligible to request destruction of fingerprints, photographs and certain non-conviction information. Apply to the police service or RCMP detachment that laid the charge. Eligibility, waiting periods and appeal procedures depend on the applicable policy. Destruction of identification records does not necessarily remove occurrence reports, investigative material or every local police record.

Retention, disclosure and correction are different

A record may be retained without being disclosable on a particular police record check. Youth records, discharges and convictions require their own analysis. Obtain your court disposition and ask the relevant police service which records it holds and what process applies. Advice may be important where employment, licensing, immigration or travel is affected.

Sources and related reading

• Peel Regional Police: fingerprint and photograph destruction requests and appeals

• RCMP: managing criminal records

• Absolute and Conditional Discharges

• Non-Convictions, Peace Bonds and Stays of Proceedings

• Contact our office about your circumstances

General information only, not legal advice. Source links checked 26 September 2026.