Police Caution - "no trace"
Jun 14th 2009, 12:20 pm
#1
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Thread Starter
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 8
Police Caution - "no trace"
I recived a police caution so many years agao I cant remeber for
" theft" - of a garden gnome ... ( from a neighbour)
I spent 3-4 hrs in a police cell and was questioned to the amusement of the entire police station. The gnome was in an evidence bag ..lol...! any way....
Was clearly drunken hi jinks, out of character and as a much younger immature lad.
I was told i should accept a caution and be on my way as a ticking off, and not even sure if this was actioned after my departure. It may have been simply a no further action case.
The neighbour was the local magistrate so I expect a call was made to scare the wits out of me, in the first instance anyway.
I cannot even remember the year, or even how to find out, i was over 18 though.
It is certainly not a prosecution and never needed disclosing as criminal background ect at any point in my life.
In accordance with police step down rules it is so long ago it is no longer recorded or recognised, even if it was recorded..?
To be certain I got my Acpo certificate which is specifically for immigration purposes and it indeed shows NO trace and specifically mentions cautions in the header.
I thus imagine that since this is extinguished or perhaps not even registered , i do not tick either " been convicted.... or subject of any criminal proceedings in any country box " and / or " been detained or put in jail "
Jail implies at HM pleasure which i do not think police station is anyway . I was held awaiting an interview , jail is gained only after a prosecution.
Where do we read the definitions..?
All opinions welcome please....?
" theft" - of a garden gnome ... ( from a neighbour)
I spent 3-4 hrs in a police cell and was questioned to the amusement of the entire police station. The gnome was in an evidence bag ..lol...! any way....
Was clearly drunken hi jinks, out of character and as a much younger immature lad.
I was told i should accept a caution and be on my way as a ticking off, and not even sure if this was actioned after my departure. It may have been simply a no further action case.
The neighbour was the local magistrate so I expect a call was made to scare the wits out of me, in the first instance anyway.
I cannot even remember the year, or even how to find out, i was over 18 though.
It is certainly not a prosecution and never needed disclosing as criminal background ect at any point in my life.
In accordance with police step down rules it is so long ago it is no longer recorded or recognised, even if it was recorded..?
To be certain I got my Acpo certificate which is specifically for immigration purposes and it indeed shows NO trace and specifically mentions cautions in the header.
I thus imagine that since this is extinguished or perhaps not even registered , i do not tick either " been convicted.... or subject of any criminal proceedings in any country box " and / or " been detained or put in jail "
Jail implies at HM pleasure which i do not think police station is anyway . I was held awaiting an interview , jail is gained only after a prosecution.
Where do we read the definitions..?
All opinions welcome please....?
Jun 14th 2009, 2:35 pm
#2
Retired
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 34,649
Re: Police Caution - "no trace"
Others may comment further but if the certificate says "no trace" it may well mean that no action was ever taken.
You could do a subject access request for local police records. But if you can find no record of it, it may well be reasonable to assume nothing was ever done.
And don't go around incriminating yourself for something that may not exist.
You could do a subject access request for local police records. But if you can find no record of it, it may well be reasonable to assume nothing was ever done.
And don't go around incriminating yourself for something that may not exist.
Jun 14th 2009, 5:44 pm
#3
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 674
Re: Police Caution - "no trace"
I recived a police caution so many years agao I cant remeber for
" theft" - of a garden gnome ... ( from a neighbour)
I spent 3-4 hrs in a police cell and was questioned to the amusement of the entire police station. The gnome was in an evidence bag ..lol...! any way....
Was clearly drunken hi jinks, out of character and as a much younger immature lad.
I was told i should accept a caution and be on my way as a ticking off, and not even sure if this was actioned after my departure. It may have been simply a no further action case.
The neighbour was the local magistrate so I expect a call was made to scare the wits out of me, in the first instance anyway.
I cannot even remember the year, or even how to find out, i was over 18 though.
It is certainly not a prosecution and never needed disclosing as criminal background ect at any point in my life.
In accordance with police step down rules it is so long ago it is no longer recorded or recognised, even if it was recorded..?
To be certain I got my Acpo certificate which is specifically for immigration purposes and it indeed shows NO trace and specifically mentions cautions in the header.
I thus imagine that since this is extinguished or perhaps not even registered , i do not tick either " been convicted.... or subject of any criminal proceedings in any country box " and / or " been detained or put in jail "
Jail implies at HM pleasure which i do not think police station is anyway . I was held awaiting an interview , jail is gained only after a prosecution.
Where do we read the definitions..?
All opinions welcome please....?
" theft" - of a garden gnome ... ( from a neighbour)
I spent 3-4 hrs in a police cell and was questioned to the amusement of the entire police station. The gnome was in an evidence bag ..lol...! any way....
Was clearly drunken hi jinks, out of character and as a much younger immature lad.
I was told i should accept a caution and be on my way as a ticking off, and not even sure if this was actioned after my departure. It may have been simply a no further action case.
The neighbour was the local magistrate so I expect a call was made to scare the wits out of me, in the first instance anyway.
I cannot even remember the year, or even how to find out, i was over 18 though.
It is certainly not a prosecution and never needed disclosing as criminal background ect at any point in my life.
In accordance with police step down rules it is so long ago it is no longer recorded or recognised, even if it was recorded..?
To be certain I got my Acpo certificate which is specifically for immigration purposes and it indeed shows NO trace and specifically mentions cautions in the header.
I thus imagine that since this is extinguished or perhaps not even registered , i do not tick either " been convicted.... or subject of any criminal proceedings in any country box " and / or " been detained or put in jail "
Jail implies at HM pleasure which i do not think police station is anyway . I was held awaiting an interview , jail is gained only after a prosecution.
Where do we read the definitions..?
All opinions welcome please....?
Sorry for laughing, I can't get the scene from The Full Monty out of my head where they pinch the garden gnomes!!!!Anyway back to the real subject at hand, I have a similar situation whereas I received a caution whilst serving with the Royal Navy again whilst very drunk. As I understand it you are correct as you were not convicted as you weren't officially charged so tick neither box, my caution was 6 years ago so I hope its time has been served (5 years I believe) and my cert when it comes back says No Trace otherwise I will have a big problem!!!
Jun 14th 2009, 6:27 pm
#4
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Joined: Apr 2009
Location: SW Ontario
Posts: 19,879
Re: Police Caution - "no trace"
Sorry for laughing, I can't get the scene from The Full Monty out of my head where they pinch the garden gnomes!!!!Anyway back to the real subject at hand, I have a similar situation whereas I received a caution whilst serving with the Royal Navy again whilst very drunk. As I understand it you are correct as you were not convicted as you weren't officially charged so tick neither box, my caution was 6 years ago so I hope its time has been served (5 years I believe) and my cert when it comes back says No Trace otherwise I will have a big problem!!!
and even though cautions are considered "spent" immediately (see here) they still show up.
Jun 14th 2009, 6:44 pm
#5
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 674
Re: Police Caution - "no trace"
I hate to be the bearer of bad news Mags1972, but my son had a caution 8 years ago (at age 18) which showed up on his UK Police Certificate / check last October, luckily he had mentioned it on the application forms for immigration and he sent an accompanying letter explaining that it would be stepped down / spent by now. For Immigration purposes the one done is the "enhanced" CRB check, which shows everything and even though cautions are considered "spent" immediately (see here) they still show up.
and even though cautions are considered "spent" immediately (see here) they still show up.
Jun 14th 2009, 7:32 pm
#6
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Joined: Sep 2008
Location: NS
Posts: 1,111
Re: Police Caution - "no trace"
I'm sorry, but I really don't see what problem this will be to your application.
If it was me I would be totally upfront about it and send in a cover letter with your application explaining the no trace situation. I honestly don't think it'll be an issue as long as you declare it - they will probably find out what it was anyway.
If it was me I would be totally upfront about it and send in a cover letter with your application explaining the no trace situation. I honestly don't think it'll be an issue as long as you declare it - they will probably find out what it was anyway.
Jun 14th 2009, 7:52 pm
#7
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Joined: Sep 2008
Location: SW Calgary, AB, Canada!
Posts: 341
Re: Police Caution - "no trace"
I'm sorry, but I really don't see what problem this will be to your application.
If it was me I would be totally upfront about it and send in a cover letter with your application explaining the no trace situation. I honestly don't think it'll be an issue as long as you declare it - they will probably find out what it was anyway.
If it was me I would be totally upfront about it and send in a cover letter with your application explaining the no trace situation. I honestly don't think it'll be an issue as long as you declare it - they will probably find out what it was anyway.
Police cautions received after 18 years of age, are active for 5 years when they may be disclosed in case of further offences committed. after this time, they may no longer appear on the Police National Computer. admittedly some still stay on the system.
cautions/final warnings/ reprimand obtaine dbelow the age of 18, are 'wiped' at 18.
hope this helps
Jun 14th 2009, 8:34 pm
#8
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Joined: May 2009
Location: Essex now Sylvan Lake, AB
Posts: 515
Re: Police Caution - "no trace"
hi all
imam in the same boat
when i was young and silly got a caution for theft in 96 (was 18 at the time)
then in nov 2000 was very drunk and fell through a window and got charge for criminal damage.
a close mate done a check on me (he is a police man) it came back as i was known to the police and the above was on record.
will this effect me to gain entry to alberta (have not filled application)
graham
imam in the same boat
when i was young and silly got a caution for theft in 96 (was 18 at the time)
then in nov 2000 was very drunk and fell through a window and got charge for criminal damage.
a close mate done a check on me (he is a police man) it came back as i was known to the police and the above was on record.
will this effect me to gain entry to alberta (have not filled application)
graham
Jun 14th 2009, 8:39 pm
#9
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Joined: Sep 2008
Location: NS
Posts: 1,111
Re: Police Caution - "no trace"
No it wont affect your application unless you lie about it or don't disclose it.
http://www.cic.gc.ca/EnGLIsh/inFORMa...des/5312E3.asp
http://www.cic.gc.ca/EnGLIsh/inFORMa...des/5312E3.asp
Jun 14th 2009, 8:50 pm
#10
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Joined: May 2009
Location: Essex now Sylvan Lake, AB
Posts: 515
Re: Police Caution - "no trace"
honesty is the best policy as the say.
Jun 14th 2009, 10:51 pm
#12
Joined: Mar 2008
Location: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Posts: 6,842
Re: Police Caution - "no trace"
I recived a police caution so many years agao I cant remeber for
" theft" - of a garden gnome ... ( from a neighbour)
I spent 3-4 hrs in a police cell and was questioned to the amusement of the entire police station. The gnome was in an evidence bag ..lol...! any way....
Was clearly drunken hi jinks, out of character and as a much younger immature lad.
I was told i should accept a caution and be on my way as a ticking off, and not even sure if this was actioned after my departure. It may have been simply a no further action case.
The neighbour was the local magistrate so I expect a call was made to scare the wits out of me, in the first instance anyway.
I cannot even remember the year, or even how to find out, i was over 18 though.
It is certainly not a prosecution and never needed disclosing as criminal background ect at any point in my life.
In accordance with police step down rules it is so long ago it is no longer recorded or recognised, even if it was recorded..?
To be certain I got my Acpo certificate which is specifically for immigration purposes and it indeed shows NO trace and specifically mentions cautions in the header.
I thus imagine that since this is extinguished or perhaps not even registered , i do not tick either " been convicted.... or subject of any criminal proceedings in any country box " and / or " been detained or put in jail "
Jail implies at HM pleasure which i do not think police station is anyway . I was held awaiting an interview , jail is gained only after a prosecution.
Where do we read the definitions..?
All opinions welcome please....?
" theft" - of a garden gnome ... ( from a neighbour)
I spent 3-4 hrs in a police cell and was questioned to the amusement of the entire police station. The gnome was in an evidence bag ..lol...! any way....
Was clearly drunken hi jinks, out of character and as a much younger immature lad.
I was told i should accept a caution and be on my way as a ticking off, and not even sure if this was actioned after my departure. It may have been simply a no further action case.
The neighbour was the local magistrate so I expect a call was made to scare the wits out of me, in the first instance anyway.
I cannot even remember the year, or even how to find out, i was over 18 though.
It is certainly not a prosecution and never needed disclosing as criminal background ect at any point in my life.
In accordance with police step down rules it is so long ago it is no longer recorded or recognised, even if it was recorded..?
To be certain I got my Acpo certificate which is specifically for immigration purposes and it indeed shows NO trace and specifically mentions cautions in the header.
I thus imagine that since this is extinguished or perhaps not even registered , i do not tick either " been convicted.... or subject of any criminal proceedings in any country box " and / or " been detained or put in jail "
Jail implies at HM pleasure which i do not think police station is anyway . I was held awaiting an interview , jail is gained only after a prosecution.
Where do we read the definitions..?
All opinions welcome please....?
No trace means you do not have any convictions
No LIVE trace means you do have a police record and information is held about you on the Police National Computer. The information does not appear on your certificate as it has been "stepped down"
Which one do you have?
Jun 15th 2009, 9:01 am
#13
Kent to (hopefully) Banff
Joined: Jan 2009
Location: Kent to (hopefully) Banff Alberta
Posts: 57
Re: Police Caution - "no trace"
Has anyone ever heard or had a visa application rejected for having a police caution?
There seems to be a mix response on the subject.
I have a police caution which is 9 years old and not on my police check. I am waiting for my acpo check to arrive. My is more serious as it was a drugs offence (possession).
I am going to be honest on the forms and will send a a letter explaing the caution and also one for explaining when I was arrested.
I had some chats with people and they seem to think there is nothing to worry about especially when the caution is 9 years old.
Be honest and put a letter explaining why you recieved the caution.
There seems to be a mix response on the subject.
I have a police caution which is 9 years old and not on my police check. I am waiting for my acpo check to arrive. My is more serious as it was a drugs offence (possession).
I am going to be honest on the forms and will send a a letter explaing the caution and also one for explaining when I was arrested.
I had some chats with people and they seem to think there is nothing to worry about especially when the caution is 9 years old.
Be honest and put a letter explaining why you recieved the caution.
Jun 15th 2009, 10:03 am
#14
Forum Regular
Joined: Dec 2008
Location: Toronto, ON
Posts: 228
Re: Police Caution - "no trace"
I'm just glad you're not applying for a Gnomeland Visa.....Kidnapping is a serious offence there. 
Jun 16th 2009, 1:46 pm
#15
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Joined: Apr 2009
Location: SW Ontario
Posts: 19,879
Re: Police Caution - "no trace"
If that is the case, (not an enhanced check), why did my son's caution from 2000 show up on his Police check? It revealed he had been cautioned, the date and what the caution was for!
Are you saying it shouldn't have been shown? If so then can he make a formal complaint?
He wrote a cover letter and sent it with the Police check explaining that the caution was stepped down, which presumably CIC London accepted as he has since had his medical request.
