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

• View the guidance to Northern Irelands criminal records filtering review scheme and statutory guidance for the independent reviewer

Independent Reviewers annual reports and DoJ responses

• Independent reviewer's annual reports and DoJ responses