A new handbook highlights the inequities and contradictions of the UK criminal records system

A new handbook published by Just for Kids Law highlights the inequities and contradictions of the UK criminal records system, offering clarity and insight to practitioners in navigating this topic.

The handbook shines a light on the collection and keeping of records by the police, as well as the review and deletion of police records and the disclosure of records on Disclosure and Barring Service (“DBS”) Certificates.

The handbook aims to help practitioners to understand the legal framework around the entering, retention and disclosure of criminal records, enabling them to better advise clients and to successfully challenge unlawful data management decisions by the police and other organisations that have access to or hold police records. The book is written in a narrative structure making it user-friendly and accessible for practitioners, regardless of their prior knowledge of the law.

The handbook was authored by trainee solicitor Alex Temple, who identified the need for such a guide while working as part of the Just for Kids Law strategic litigation team on legal challenges to the keeping and sharing of police records. Mr Temple’s traineeship is funded by the Legal Education Foundation.

Link to download the handbook: https://www.justforkidslaw.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Police-Records-A-Guide-for-Professionals-October-2018.pdf