Cornwall Police Service
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FINGERPRINT / PHOTOGRAPH DESTRUCTION REQUEST

The destruction of fingerprints is strictly regulated by law. The Cornwall Police Service must act in accordance with all applicable laws when considering the destruction of fingerprints and photographs taken under the authority of The Identification of Criminals Act and the Canada Evidence Act.

The Cornwall Police Service will accept requests for the destruction of photographs and fingerprints from our Records Management System under the following criteria:

  • You have no criminal convictions; and
  • You are at least 18 years of age; and
  • You do not currently have any outstanding charges before the Courts; and
  • You are not wanted by any police service

The related charges must have originated from a Cornwall Police Service case to have this destruction request processed.  If the charges originated from another police service, please contact that police service for more information.

ELIGIBILITY TIMELINES of when you can make a request to have your fingerprints destroyed depend on the non-conviction disposition received on your final court date.

  • “Withdrawn”, “Dismissed”, “Not Guilty” or “Acquitted” applications are accepted 5 months after the disposition date and destruction will be free of charge.
  • “Absolute Discharge” or “Stay of Proceedings” applications are accepted 1 year after the disposition date with a $38.00 destruction fee.
  • “Withdrawn with Recognizance to Keep the Peace (Peace Bond)” applications are accepted once the peace bond has expired (typically 1 year after disposition date) with a $38.00 destruction fee.
  • “Conditional Discharge” applications are accepted 3 years after the disposition date, with a $38.00 destruction fee.

Anyone wishing to have fingerprints and/or photographs destroyed shall submit a request in writing addressed to the office of the Chief of Police via mail or in person at the Records Bureau.

S. Spowart - Chief of Police
P.O. Box 875, 340 Pitt Street
Cornwall, Ontario   K6H 5T7

Your letter must include:

  • Your full name and date of birth
  • Current address and telephone number
  • Charge(s)/Offence(s) court date and disposition received as a result

Payment by cash/debit/credit card can be made in person at the Records Bureau, or cheque payable to “The City of Cornwall” if sending by mail.

 *Please make sure you advise the correct disposition to avoid a delay in processing. ***Please also note that the process could take up to 1 year to complete. You will be notified by mail once the process is completed. If you move or change your mailing address within the processing time, please notify us so that you may receive correspondence of your results.