The Toronto Star has done a great job of exposing the injustice of the police releasing non-conviction records to the public and it appears the Toronto Police may change their procedures as a result of this exposure.
If you have been fingerprinted by the police but the charges were later withdrawn, dismissed, peace bond or stayed, those charges can still be seen by the public through a criminal background check. This has had huge negative consequences for those looking for work and trying to cross the US Border.
Here is the most recent article in the Toronto Start that indicates that the Ontario Chief of Police Association is considering making changes to its procedures so that it will not punish those who have been fingerprinted but not convicted:
A file destruction is still required if you have been fingerprinted by the police and the charges were later withdrawn, dismissed, peace bond, stayed or discharged.
