Criminal records filtering review scheme

Here you will find information the criminal records filtering review scheme.

The criminal records review scheme allows for an independent review of criminal record information that could be or is disclosed on a Standard or enhanced AccessNI criminal record certificate.  The review can occur

  • Automatically before a certificate is issued, where all of the criminal record information on that certificate relates to offences before a person’s 18th birthday; and
  • After a certificate is issued, where the applicant asks for such a review.

The Department has appointed an Independent Reviewer (IR) to carry out these reviews.  The IR can only undertake a review where the information to be disclosed or actually disclosed is “spent” under the rehabilitation of offenders legislation.

Below you will find both a short and full guide to the NI criminal records filtering scheme and statutory guidance for the Independent Reviewer

Independent Reviewers annual reports and DoJ responses

Back to top