Advice on applying for a Visa and possibility of having a criminal record

PWL_2

Hello

I wanted to know how I could check if I have a criminal record.
In 2009, I was arrested for shoplifting in Tesco (£20 worth of goods). The police took me to the station, took my fingerprints and released me. I didn't get any fine. It felt more that they did this to intimidate me which it did!
I have been fine with tourist visa while travelling. But now I want to apply for a business visa so it will mean going to the embassy and probably having a better look at my records.
So I wanted to know if there was a way to check if what happened in 2009 would appear somewhere or if the police didn't keep track of my arrest.
I looked at getting a basic disclosure but since I wasn't convicted I don't think it would show something minor like this
Thank you.
PWL

shaun_from_Africa

You can apply for a subject access request to see exactly what data about you is held on the Police national computer.
This costs £10.
https://www.acro.police.uk/Subject_Access_Online.aspx


They say that it takes up to 40 days but this is probably a worst case scenario and it may be far quicker.

scumsthorne

get a "subject access request" done - google it. (ok, follow the advice above)

You will need a "Police National Computer" check done as well for a visa, which will either come back as "live trace" "no live trace" or "no trace".

If it says anything but "no trace" you need advice.

The basic disclosure should have come back clean.

PWL wrote: »

In 2009, I was arrested for shoplifting

The arrest would have been ignored under the petty offense exception if you had gone the visa route, its the misrepresentation you will need to explain. If you can't then get some legal advice from your companies solicitors or preferably someone who deals with these matters.

agrinnall

What country is the visa for?

PWL_2

USA

I am gonna pay for a subject access request then, thanks.