How do I find out what is on my record – DAT1 or BasicAccessNI
If you are unsure of the details on your criminal record, there are a number of ways you may be able to access this information.
- A Subject Access Request (DAT1) is a way for you to obtain from the PSNI the details of what is listed on your criminal record.
It is free and you can apply for it through the links below. It can take several weeks to arrive. It is illegal for an employer to ask for this.
Please only apply for this if you don’t already have the details.
Please find the link to the DAT1 form in NI here: https://www.psni.police.uk/advice_information/information-about-yourself/making-a-subject-access-request/
- To apply for one in England and Wales click here: https://www.acro.police.uk/Subject-access
For Scotland click here: https://www.scotland.police.uk/access-to-information/data-protection/subject-access-requests - In the Republic of Ireland which is a different sovereign jurisdiction this is called a Data Access Request and you can find further information here: https://www.garda.ie/en/About-Us/Online-Services/Data-Protection-FOI-Police-Certificates/An-Garda-Siochana-and-Data-Protection.html
- A basic AccessNI – This will only show unspent convictions and costs £18. You can apply here: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/services/apply-online-basic-check
- Your solicitor - it maybe possible that your solicitor who represented you at court may have a copy of your previous convictions on file.
Details on my record are wrong – DAT3 and what it is for
If your dispute is about incorrect personal information on your certificate, such as the wrong title (Mr instead of Mrs), misspelling your name or incorrect address, you should contact AccessNI by email or letter.
You should include: 'dispute' as a reference or as the email subject
- your name, address and personal details
- certificate reference number
- as much information about the error as possible
AccessNI will review your certificate and check your application. If the mistake was caused by incorrect information given by you, your employer or the organisation that submitted the application, you'll need a new certificate.
Depending on the level of check, you or your employer will need to send the criminal record check application and pay the fee.
The form to do this is the DAT3 and can be downloaded here - https://www.psni.police.uk/sites/default/files/2022-07/Form%20DAT3%20APPLICATION%20TO%20REQUEST%20AMENDMENTS%20TO%20PERSONAL%20DATA.docx#:~:text=Form%20DAT3%3A%20APPLICATION%20TO%20REQUEST,for%20deletion%20of%20Biometric%20Data.
