UK Police caution. Do they remain on record for ever?

Question

I received a police caution back in 2007. I have recently enquired both with a local police officer on his beat and also at the borough police headquarters. Both informed me that they did not know if cautions were ever taken off your record.

So, do they ever expire? If so how long do they remain on your record?
Also if they do expire and you re-offend are you then treated as a first time offender?

Also, if you are a police officer yourself, how recent must a crime have been committed before you regard it as irrelevant to any interaction with the offender.

I ask as it was 5 years ago I got the caution for a minor offence and I was stopped last week and they instantly suspected me of similar misbehaviour.

I'm not a bad person, I don't want to be regarded as a criminal for the rest of time.

Also (again) is there any process of appeal if the record remains indefinitely?

Tavy · Accepted Answer

It will always show up on an Enhanced CRB check, and is forever on the PNC. So if you are stopped by the police many years later it will be there.
UK

Anonymous · Answer

an official police caution stands on record for 5 years, you do not have to disclose you have a caution wether its still in effect or its done but it will show up on a CRB check

? · Answer

When you accepted the caution you were admitting to the crime it was issued for and yes it will always remain on file.

Crimson Dawn · Answer

Yes.
Never let them give you one - There is no appeal.

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UK Police caution. Do they remain on record for ever?

4 Answers