To have your fingerprints and photographs destroyed by the Edmonton Police Service (EPS), your charges must have been withdrawn, stayed, or dismissed. You must wait for the mandatory appeal period to pass, and you cannot have any other criminal convictions on your record. The EPS currently does not charge an administrative fee for this process, but you must apply formally.
Having your criminal charges dropped in Edmonton brings a massive sense of relief, but it is only the first step in clearing your name. 🕵 Many residents do not realize that the Edmonton Police Service (EPS) and the RCMP will retain your fingerprints and mugshots in their local and national databases permanently unless you take action.
This retention can cause issues during border crossings, vulnerable sector checks, or pre-employment screenings. 🔍 Getting your non-conviction records completely destroyed ensures your privacy is protected and gives you a true clean slate under Canadian law.
Step-by-Step Process for Fingerprint Destruction in Edmonton
The process to destroy your police records is entirely administrative, but strict rules apply. 🏛 You must direct your application to the EPS Information Management Division, not the Alberta Court of Justice.
Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility and Waiting Period
You cannot apply the moment your charges are dropped; a mandatory waiting period applies. ⌛ If your charges were withdrawn or dismissed, you generally must wait 30 days (to ensure the Crown Prosecutor does not appeal). If your charges were stayed, the Crown has exactly one year to revive them, meaning you must wait a full 12 months before applying. Furthermore, if you have prior criminal convictions, you are entirely ineligible for fingerprint destruction until you receive a formal Record Suspension.
Step 2: Obtain Your Court Disposition
The EPS needs proof of how your case ended. 📚 You must visit the Edmonton Law Courts to request a certified “Court Disposition” document from the clerk’s counter. This official document confirms that the judge formally dismissed, stayed, or acquitted you of the charges.
Step 3: Submit the Application to the EPS
Once your waiting period is over and you have your disposition, you must fill out the EPS Request for Destruction of Fingerprints and Photographs form. 👤 This can usually be submitted online or dropped off in person at an EPS division. You will need to provide two pieces of government-issued identification.
Step 4: RCMP National Database Purge
If the Edmonton Police approve your request, they will destroy their local files. 📡 Crucially, EPS will then notify the RCMP in Ottawa to remove your fingerprints from the national CPIC database, ensuring the record is erased across Canada.
How Much Does it Cost in Edmonton?
Unlike applying for a Record Suspension, the cost of fingerprint destruction is highly accessible. 💰 Most individuals can handle the basic costs without issue.
- EPS Processing Fee: Currently, the Edmonton Police Service generally does not charge a fee for standard fingerprint and photograph destruction requests.
- Court Disposition Fee: The Alberta Court of Justice typically charges roughly $10 to $20 CAD for a certified copy of your disposition.
- Lawyer Fees: If you prefer a criminal defence lawyer to handle the paperwork to ensure no mistakes are made, law firms in Edmonton typically charge a flat fee between $500 and $1,000 CAD.
How Long Does the Process Take?
Bureaucracy takes time, and police administrative departments are often backlogged. 📅 Patience is required throughout this process.
- Waiting Period: 30 days (withdrawn) up to 1 year (stays or peace bonds).
- EPS Processing Time: Once submitted, the EPS generally takes 3 to 6 months to review and approve your application.
- RCMP Action: Updating the national CPIC system can take an additional 2 to 4 months.
Understanding Mandatory Waiting Periods
Determining when you can legally apply depends entirely on how the Crown Prosecutor handled your specific case.
| Court Outcome | Minimum Waiting Period in Alberta |
|---|---|
| Withdrawn / Dismissed / Acquitted | 30 Days (after the appeal period ends) |
| Stay of Proceedings | 1 Year from the date of the stay |
| Peace Bond (Section 810) | When the Peace Bond expires (usually 1 Year) |
| Absolute Discharge | 1 Year from the sentencing date |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I destroy my fingerprints if I have an old conviction?
No. If you have any prior criminal convictions on your record, you are ineligible to have your fingerprints destroyed for a new, withdrawn charge. You must first obtain a Record Suspension (formerly a pardon) from the Parole Board of Canada.
Will the destruction clear my record at the US border?
If US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) downloaded your CPIC file before your fingerprints were destroyed, they will retain that data permanently in their own system. However, destroying your records prevents them from seeing the charges on future pulls.
Do I have to do this, or is it automatic?
It is not automatic in Edmonton. While some federal policies are shifting, you must proactively apply to the Edmonton Police Service to guarantee your photographs and fingerprints are permanently deleted.
What happens to my police file?
Your fingerprints and mugshots are physically and digitally destroyed. However, the EPS will retain a text-based incident report in their internal records (PROS/Niche) noting that an investigation occurred.
Can the police reject my application?
Yes. The EPS maintains discretion. If there are compelling public interest reasons or if you are currently under investigation for another offence, they can deny your destruction request.
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