SC - two past arrests

[Nerozero90]

Good afternoon,

I know this has been asked before, but I can’t seem to find a definitive answer.

I’m currently completing the form, and it asks about previous convictions. It doesn’t ask about arrests, police contact, or investigations.

I was arrested in 2022 and again in 2025, but both cases resulted in No Further Action and were closed.

Some people have said I should disclose this, but I’m not sure where I would do that, as the form doesn’t ask about arrests.

Others have said not to disclose it because the question only asks about convictions. Their view is that it wouldn’t be dishonest not to mention the arrests if they haven’t been asked about them.

I also contacted the charity Unlocked, and they advised me not to disclose the arrests because the form only asks about convictions, not arrests or police contact.

Has anyone been in a similar situation or can offer any advice? Thanks.

[malvolio]

Read the long thread about security clearance. The answer is in the first half dozen pages. But don't listen to "advice", the test is can you be corrupted - i.e. are you honest. Not answering honestly is not a good move.

As an aside, do you believe the vetting people don't already know about it...

[courtg9000]

1. They already know.
2. What they don't exactly know is you and your attitude to it.
3. 2 is what the process is. Thats what you fail or pass on.
4. How do you think Mandelsohn failed his clearance?
5. What makes you any different to Mandelsohn?
6. Mandelsohn being famous ain't a correct answer for 5!

[Nerozero90]

You seem to be implying that they have asked me and ive chosen not to disclose it.

if they dont ask me about past arrests or contact with the police then how can i said to be dishonest?

it isnt a trick question nor is it a catch you out form.

they asked about convictions and i said no.

[willendure]

I think you just honestly answer the actual questions they ask. Convictions ? No. No question about arrests or police contact so no answer needed.

[TheDude]

If they don't ask for arrests then you don't need to disclose them.

On a slightly unrelated theme arrests will disqualify you from the US visa waiver scheme. I discovered this when I was required to visit the US for work and had to apply for a Visa which is a tedious process.

[Nerozero90]

Its too late now. I sent them an email this morning. I assume they will be able to see the arrests regardless if i tell them or not? And despite not asking about them on the form. So it cant damage my application surely? I hope i didn’t shoot myself in the foot lol

[malvolio]

Its too late now. I sent them an email this morning. I assume they will be able to see the arrests regardless if i tell them or not? And despite not asking about them on the form. So it cant damage my application surely? I hope i didn’t shoot myself in the foot lol

Who knows... The whole idea is a risk assessment, without knowing what criteria are important or relevant.

There are spaces on the form for "any other relevant information". You decide if that was significant.

[fatJock]

I got into some trouble as a teenager, got arrested and although no formal conviction I got a fine. I still disclose that 35 years later.

As others have said, best to be transparent. There are plenty of open text fields on the form where you can volunteer additional information.