The Police National Computer, usually abbreviated to PNC, is one of the UK’s biggest databases. The system dates back to the early 1970s, and now links together several police databases. Police forces across the UK can access the records 24 hours a day. The PNC doesn’t just contain information about people. It’s also where the Police can access information about whether your car is taxed or insured. There’s information about stolen property, and missing people. The PNC is one of the major sources of information used to produce a DBS certificate. So what information do the Police have about you, and what might be on your certificate?
Names Database on the Police National Computer
The Disclosure and Barring Service is most interested in the names database held on the PNC. This is the part of the PNC concerned with people. Information about any convictions and cautions are held here, along with fingerprints and DNA if relevant. There are no photos on this database, just text. It’s really important that the DBS access the right person’s file on the PNC. If you have a relatively common name like Peter Smith or Anne Williams, there might be dozens of others with your name too. So it’s no surprise that the first step when you apply for your DBS check is to verify your identity.
A combination of your full name, date of birth and address should ensure the right records are accessed. Although it’s not always relevant to disclosure checks, the police can link lots of other information into your file too. If the police want to speak to you about something, they’ll put a marker against your name. If you go missing or AWOL from the Army, this can be listed too.
Apart from your criminal convictions and cautions, other “police intelligence” might appear on your DBS certificate too. Intelligence is information which the police think is relevant, but hasn’t resulted in a conviction. For example, they might disclose that someone has been arrested several times on suspicion of sexual offences, but never charged or convicted. On the flip side, information about convictions and cautions which happened many years ago, might be left off the DBS certificate completely.
Vehicle File
Although it’s not relevant for DBS checks, the PNC holds lots of information about all vehicles registered in the UK. A few clicks will tell an officer who owns a car, and whether it’s insured or taxed. The police also make notes on the database when a car or motorbike is stolen. Being caught drunk driving might result in your car being confiscated. This fact won’t appear on your DBS certificate, although the conviction for drink driving definitely will.
Property File
Certain items of stolen property are also logged into the property section of the database. Stolen vehicles are listed in the vehicle file. Related items such as trailers or horseboxes get their own entry in the property section. None of the information held in this part of the PNC would appear on a DBS certificate as it doesn’t refer to people.