Everything You Need to Know About How Long Records of Violence Are Stored in Police Databases

Everything You Need to Know About How Long Violence Records Stay in the Police Database in Germany

Whenever a crime is committed – especially those related to domestic violence or violence against individuals – the German police document the incident in their official database. This record is used to assess risk, take legal action, and ensure future protection for victims. The key question, however, is: how long are these records stored, and can they be deleted?

What Is the Police Record (Polizeiliches Vorgangsregister)?

Every report or investigation is recorded in the police’s internal case processing system, known as the Vorgangsbearbeitungssystem. This database is used for internal documentation of incidents, even if they do not directly result in a criminal conviction.

This record typically includes information such as:

• data of the suspect and the victim

• details of the incident (dates, place, summary of events)

• results of the initial investigations

• any preventive measures taken (e.g. removal orders or exclusion from the home)

How Is This Different from the Criminal Record (Führungszeugnis)?

Yes, there is a clear difference. The Führungszeugnis (official certificate of conduct) does not contain all reports or investigations, but only final court convictions.

The police record, by contrast, includes all reported incidents, even if they did not lead to a conviction or formal judgment.

How Long Are Records Kept in the Police Database?

1. If there is no conviction

• Reports or information stored in the police database are usually kept for up to 10 years.

• In some federal states, they may be deleted after a shorter period (e.g. 5 years), if it becomes clear that there is no continuing risk and the investigation did not produce sufficient evidence.

2. If there is a conviction or court judgment

• If the person is convicted, the data can be stored for a longer period. The exact duration depends on the sentence and the rules of the Bundeszentralregistergesetz (Federal Central Register Act).

• For serious crimes, the retention period can reach 20 years or more.

3. Records related to domestic violence

• Due to the sensitivity and risk involved, records relating to domestic violence are often kept for a longer period,

• especially if there are repeated reports or escalating behaviour.

Can the Record Be Deleted?

Yes. In certain cases, it is possible to apply for deletion or correction of a record by submitting an Antrag auf Löschung (deletion request), provided that:

• all proceedings have been completed without a conviction,

• there is no ongoing security interest in keeping the information,

• a sufficient period has passed without any new incidents.

The request is submitted to the competent police authority. It is advisable to seek legal assistance from a lawyer to support the application.

Who Has Access to These Records?

• the police and internal security agencies

• public prosecutors and courts in the context of criminal proceedings

• in specific cases, other public authorities such as the Jugendamt (Youth Welfare Office), for example when assessing risks to children

These records are not available to private employers or individuals, and they do not appear in the official Führungszeugnis normally required for jobs or visa applications.

Conclusion

Keeping violence-related entries in police databases is an essential tool for ensuring public safety and protecting victims from repeated or escalating violence. At the same time, German law strives to balance this with the offender’s right to rehabilitation, through clear rules on data retention and deletion.

If you are affected by such a record and wish to have it reviewed or deleted, consult a lawyer. There are always legal avenues to examine and protect your rights.

Important Terms in German

• Vorgangsbearbeitungssystem: police case processing / incident management system

• Führungszeugnis: certificate of conduct / official criminal record extract

• Bundeszentralregistergesetz: Federal Central Register Act

• Antrag auf Löschung: request for deletion of a record

• Jugendamt: Youth Welfare Office

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The editorial team of this website strives to provide accurate information based on extensive research and multiple sources. However, errors or non-verified details cannot be completely ruled out. Please consider the information in this article as an initial guide and always contact the competent authorities for binding and up-to-date advice.