Every year, hundreds of thousands arrests are made, with many being done without charging the individual. Naturally, it brings up the question: “Do Arrests Without Charge Show On A DBS?”
After all, individuals who have been arrested without charges may be concerned about the potential impact on their employment prospects.
Basic DBS – Do Arrests Without Charge Show On A DBS?
Arrests without charge do not show on a Basic DBS check.
A Basic DBS check only shows spent convictions, cautions, and reprimands. As an arrest without charge is none of these, it will not be shown.
Standard DBS – Do Arrests Without Charge Show On A DBS?
Arrests without charge do not show on a Standard DBS check.
Standard DBS checks show both spent and unspent convictions, cautions, and reprimands. As an arrest without charge is neither of these, it will not show.
Enhanced DBS – Do Arrests Without Charge Show On A DBS?
Arrests without charge could possibly show on an Enhanced DBS check.
Enhanced DBS checks show both spent and unspent convictions, cautions, and reprimands, as well as any other relevant information held by the Police.
Therefore, times when you have been arrested without charge could be shown on an Enhanced DBS check, but it will be very clear that no arrest was made.
How Do The Police Decide If The Information Is Relevant?
The Police have to ask the question “Should the Employer know about this?”. Being arrested once when you were 18 over matching the description of a thief, but not being the thief, is not relevant.
However, if there have been several allegations and investigations made against you, the Police may believe that the employer should be aware of it.
Conclusion – Do Arrests Without Charge Show On A DBS?
Arrests without charge will not show up on a Basic or Standard DBS, but may show on an Enhanced DBS, depending on whether it is relevant.
If an arrest without charge is deemed as relevant, it will appear as other information held, but it will be clear that no arrest was made.
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Relative Content
If you found this article on “Do Arrests Without Charge Show On A DBS?” helpful, then you might also want to read about:
Do Pending Matters Show On A DBS?
Does Drink Driving Show On DBS Checks?
About The Author
Kellie Dawson
Kellie is our in-house legal expert when it comes to DBS checks. With a background in the legal sector, she has become a recognised authority in this area.