Petition · Home Office

Require police to delete data collected due to false allegations.

Closed 259 signatures

What the petition asks

We believe the Government should establish a legal requirement for the deletion of data, including biometric data, relating to an individual, where the case against them is withdrawn at any stage and there is corroborative evidence that the case was based on a malicious or false allegation.
Currently, Chief Officers are given discretion whether to delete data from the Police National Computer (PNC) relating to false or malicious allegations. We believe that this should instead be a legal requirement. We think that the retention of false allegations and biometric data on the Police National Computer could have profound negative effects on individuals' lives, particularly for those struggling with mental health issues or facing barriers to employment opportunities.

Timeline

27 Nov 2024 Petition opened for signatures
27 May 2025 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 259
Status Closed
Department Home Office
Opened 27 Nov 2024
Closed 27 May 2025

Follow this petition

Sign in to get an email when the government responds, a debate is scheduled or held, or the petition closes.

Source: the official petition page. Last checked 6 Aug 2026.