A non-conviction finding refers to an acquittal, dismissal, no charge, not guilty, stay of proceedings or withdrawal from Court.  SPS reserves the right to refuse the destruction of non-conviction information when there are compelling reasons to retain the information.  

• Each request is reviewed on a case-by-case basis to determine eligibility.

• This is a discretionary process and not all applications for destruction of fingerprints and/or photographs will be approved.

• SPS can only process requests for SPS or RCMP SPOSU files. Non-convictions from other jurisdictions must be dealt with by the police agencies of those jurisdictions.
   

When to Apply

There are varying wait times before you can begin the process to request the destruction of your fingerprints and/or photographs. The wait periods start from the date of disposition for the non-conviction finding.

Non-Conviction Findings and Wait Time:

• Stay of Proceedings (one year)

• No Charge Laid (one year)

• Acquitted (three months)

• Dismissed (three months)

• Not Guilty (three months)

• Withdrawn (three months)

The following offences have a minimum waiting period of five years:

• High Treason

• Potential Terrorist Activity

• First and Second Degree Murder

• Manslaughter

• Aggravated Assaults

• Sexually Based Offences
   

How to Apply

1. Complete the SPS Request for Destruction Form.

2. Provide two copies of current, Canadian government issued identification, one which must have a photo.

3. Provide the completed SPS Request for Destruction Form and copies of your two pieces of Government ID to our unit by email, mail, or in person, as below:

Email your documents to: nonconvictioninfo@surreypolice.ca

Mail your documents to:          

Surrey Police Service
Attn: Court Services Unit
14355 57 Avenue
Surrey BC, V3X 1A9

In person to any of our Surrey Police Service locations which you can find on our Contact Us page.
 

Process

Each request is reviewed on a case-by-case basis to determine eligibility. Applicants will be notified in writing when their request is approved or denied. Applicants whose request is denied will be notified as to the reasons for the denial.

If The Request for Destruction is Approved:

• Fingerprints and photographs in our custody taken upon your arrest for the charge(s) for which you have had a non-conviction finding, will be destroyed (electronic and hardcopy).

• The Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) database held at the RCMP central repository in Ottawa will be advised of the request for destruction. This request will only apply to the criminal history related to the non-conviction charges. 

Please Note:

• All other information contained in our police file(s) relating to the charge, including the police investigative file, will remain in our local records management system until the file reaches the retention and disposal schedule expiry date.

• Results of Court proceedings will remain in the court’s database.

• The incident and court information may be disclosed in a police information check (PIC) process.

If you have been convicted of an offence in Canada, you can apply for a record suspension through the Parole Board of Canada. You can find out more about record suspensions here: Official PBC Application Guide and forms - Canada.ca