Police National Computer

The Police National Computer (PNC) is a computer system used by police forces in the UK. Created in 1974 and now consisting of several databases accessible 24 hours a day, it is run by the Police Information Technology Organisation (PITO). Major databases include:

• Criminal records – Contains information and descriptive details of people who have been convicted / cautioned or recently arrested, including links to fingerprints and DNA. Full details of all convictions are stored. Further listed are persons who are wanted, missing or disqualified from driving.
• Vehicle records – Provides registered keeper details on UK vehicles. Can also store ancillary information, including whether the vehicle is stolen.
• Property details – Certain types of stolen property can be recorded on the PNC.
• Drivers Database – Recently added, this has links to both the DVLA and the Motor Insurance Database to access driving license and insurance details. A further link to the MOT database is planned. This should signal the end to the producer system where police issue form HO/RT 1 to drivers to demand production of driving documents.

With the growth of transnational criminality, the PNC is to be linked to the Schengen Information System (SIS) which shares certain information Europe-wide.

External links

• Police Information Technology Organisation