Correspondence

Powers to keep DNA and fingerprints under section 63G (PACE)

Correspondence between the Biometrics and Surveillance Camera Commissioner and Dominic Raab about powers to keep the DNA and fingerprints of people arrested for domestic abuse and sexual offences.

• From: Biometrics and Surveillance Camera Commissioner
• Published: 16 March 2023
• Last updated: 23 June 2023 — See all updates

Documents

Letter from the Biometrics and Surveillance Camera Commissioner to Rt Hon Dominic Raab MP regarding section 63G powers

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Letter to the Biometrics and Surveillance Camera Commissioner from the Ministry of Justice regarding section 63G powers

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Details

The Biometrics and Surveillance Camera Commissioner, Fraser Sampson, wrote to Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary Rt Hon Dominic Raab MP about the the underuse of section 63G statutory powers by police forces.

Section 63G of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 allows police to keep DNA and fingerprints for 3 years.

The Commissioner suggested that the government should extend this to 5 years for those arrested for offences of domestic abuse and violence against women and girls.

Published 16 March 2023
Last updated 23 June 2023 + show all updates

1. 23 June 2023

   Reply from the Ministry of Justice added.

2. 16 March 2023

   First published.