RECORD DESTRUCTION SERVICES
"NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY"
F.I.P.S. (Fingerprints, Identifications and Pardons Services) provides professional assistance with Record Destruction applications for individuals whose criminal charges were dismissed, withdrawn, or stayed, but whose records remain on file.
What Is Record Destruction?
If you are charged with a criminal offence, a police record is created, even if the charge is later dismissed, withdrawn, or stayed by the court.
This record may include:
- Fingerprints
- Photographs
- Personal identifying information
- Details of the charge
Fingerprints are submitted by the arresting police agency to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and are classified under a unique identifier known as an F.P.S. (Fingerprint Section) number.
If you have been fingerprinted, an FPS number exists. This number is linked to your name and may appear whenever your name is checked by law enforcement through national databases such as Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC).
In other words, being fingerprinted means a record continues to exist, even if no conviction occurred.
Why Record Destruction Matters
- Prevents dismissed or withdrawn charges from appearing in police databases
- Reduces complications during background or police checks
- Helps protect privacy and reputation
- Removes fingerprints and photographs from law enforcement records
- Ensures outdated or non-conviction records are eliminated
Record Destruction is different from a Record Suspension and applies specifically to non-conviction records.
The Record Destruction Process
F.I.P.S. manages the Record Destruction process on your behalf. We will:
- Review your eligibility for Record Destruction
- Petition the arresting police agency to destroy fingerprints and photographs
- Submit a formal request to the RCMP for destruction of records
- Request removal of the associated information from the CPIC database
- Correspond with relevant law enforcement agencies throughout the process
Once approved, fingerprints, photographs, and related records are destroyed, effectively removing the F.P.S..
Processing Considerations
- Eligibility depends on how the charge was resolved
- Processing times vary depending on police agency response
- Each case is reviewed individually
How Much Does Record Destruction Cost?
- Pricing varies depending on the complexity of the case
- Please contact F.I.P.S. for current fees and eligibility details
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
No. Record Destruction applies to non-conviction records. Record Suspensions apply to convictions.
Yes. A police record and fingerprints may still exist unless Record Destruction is approved.
An FPS (Fingerprint Section) number is a unique identifier assigned when fingerprints are taken and submitted to the RCMP.
Yes. The FPS number may appear during law enforcement name checks.
Approval is handled by the arresting police agency and the RCMP.
No. Unlike most agencies, walk-in service is available six days a week.
Yes. All personal and biometric information is handled according to strict privacy and security standards.