We believe the Government should establish a legal requirement for the deletion of data, including biometric data, relating to an individual, where the case against them is withdrawn at any stage and there is corroborative evidence that the case was based on a malicious or false allegation.

Currently, Chief Officers are given discretion whether to delete data from the Police National Computer (PNC) relating to false or malicious allegations. We believe that this should instead be a legal requirement. We think that the retention of false allegations and biometric data on the Police National Computer could have profound negative effects on individuals' lives, particularly for those struggling with mental health issues or facing barriers to employment opportunities.