Guidance

Applications to the Biometrics Commissioner under PACE

Guidance for chief police officers on making an application to the commissioner for the retention and use of DNA and fingerprints.

From:
Home Office
Published
26 September 2014
Last updated
13 December 2018 — See all updates

Documents

Applications to the Biometrics Commissioner under PACE

PDF, 477 KB, 7 pages

Applications to the Biometrics Commissioner under PACE (accessible version)

HTML

Details

Section 63G of PACE allows a chief police officer to apply to the Biometrics Commissioner for the retention of DNA and fingerprints belonging to an individual who was arrested for, but not charged with, an offence provided that they are either:

  • under 18
  • a vulnerable person
  • associated with the person to whom it relates
  • necessary for the prevention or detection of crime

If the commissioner grants the request, the DNA and fingerprints may be retained for up to 3 years (with a possible 2 year extension if granted by a court). If not, they must be destroyed.

Updates to this page

Published 26 September 2014
Last updated 13 December 2018 + show all updates

  1. Updated application for the Biometrics Commissioner under PACE guidance

  2. First published.

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