As title really. I've searched here and other forums, and found conflicting information.
The application form for the certificate requests information if you've ever been "Arrested, cautioned, warned or reprimanded or been Convicted of a criminal offence" but then that "You must declare all convictions including those you believe to be spent under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974". I understand ACPO are a private concern, unrelated to the actual UK Police Service.
I have been arrested once in the past, and subsequently charged with ABH. I was found Not Guilty after trial. Judge said I was free to go 'without a blemish on my character'. I have never been convicted. I'm therefore confused as to why someone without a blemish on their character is asked to disclose arrests that did not result in a conviction of any description (neither caution, warning or custodial).
Will the history of my one arrest appear on an ACRO certificate? Though I understand the need for an ACRO.
Assuming it's best to put in the details, then just hope they respond with 'no trace' on the certificate?
Other forums suggest not to mention arrests that didn't result in any conviction, while still others say that even an arrest can affect the visa application. I am erring towards not mentioning my arrest, because only if I did not mention a conviction would I be in breach of the Rehabilitation and Offenders Act 1974. An arrest is no breach of any act, nor is it any measure of guilt or lack of good character.
Does the Canadian Immigration Service consider a private enterprise, charged to search police records, to be an arbiter of my good character, should they find an arrest and put it on my certificate?
What to do...
The application form for the certificate requests information if you've ever been "Arrested, cautioned, warned or reprimanded or been Convicted of a criminal offence" but then that "You must declare all convictions including those you believe to be spent under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974". I understand ACPO are a private concern, unrelated to the actual UK Police Service.
I have been arrested once in the past, and subsequently charged with ABH. I was found Not Guilty after trial. Judge said I was free to go 'without a blemish on my character'. I have never been convicted. I'm therefore confused as to why someone without a blemish on their character is asked to disclose arrests that did not result in a conviction of any description (neither caution, warning or custodial).
Will the history of my one arrest appear on an ACRO certificate? Though I understand the need for an ACRO.
Assuming it's best to put in the details, then just hope they respond with 'no trace' on the certificate?
Other forums suggest not to mention arrests that didn't result in any conviction, while still others say that even an arrest can affect the visa application. I am erring towards not mentioning my arrest, because only if I did not mention a conviction would I be in breach of the Rehabilitation and Offenders Act 1974. An arrest is no breach of any act, nor is it any measure of guilt or lack of good character.
Does the Canadian Immigration Service consider a private enterprise, charged to search police records, to be an arbiter of my good character, should they find an arrest and put it on my certificate?
What to do...
