Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984

61 Finger-printing. E+W

(1) Except as provided by this section no person’s fingerprints may be taken without the appropriate consent.

(2) Consent to the taking of a person’s fingerprints must be in writing if it is given at a time when he is at a police station.

[F1 (3) The fingerprints of a person detained at a police station may be taken without the appropriate consent if—

(a) he is detained in consequence of his arrest for a recordable offence; and

(b) he has not had his fingerprints taken in the course of the investigation of the offence by the police.]

[F2 (3A) [F3 Where a person mentioned in paragraph (a) of subsection (3) or (4) has already had his fingerprints taken in the course of the investigation of the offence by the police], that fact shall be disregarded for the purposes of that subsection if—

(a) the fingerprints taken on the previous occasion do not constitute a complete set of his fingerprints; or

(b) some or all of the fingerprints taken on the previous occasion are not of sufficient quality to allow satisfactory analysis, comparison or matching (whether in the case in question or generally).]

[F4 (4) The fingerprints of a person detained at a police station may be taken without the appropriate consent if—

(a) he has been charged with a recordable offence or informed that he will be reported for such an offence; and

(b) he has not had his fingerprints taken in the course of the investigation of the offence by the police.]

[F5 (4A) The fingerprints of a person who has answered to bail at a court or police station may be taken without the appropriate consent at the court or station if—

(a) the court, or

(b) an officer of at least the rank of inspector,

authorises them to be taken.

(4B) A court or officer may only give an authorisation under subsection (4A) if—

(a) the person who has answered to bail has answered to it for a person whose fingerprints were taken on a previous occasion and there are reasonable grounds for believing that he is not the same person; or

(b) the person who has answered to bail claims to be a different person from a person whose fingerprints were taken on a previous occasion.]

(5) An officer may give an authorisation under [F6 subsection (4A)] above orally or in writing but, if he gives it orally, he shall confirm it in writing as soon as is practicable.

[F7 (5A) The fingerprints of a person may be taken without the appropriate consent if (before or after the coming into force of this subsection) he has been arrested for a recordable offence and released and—

(a) F8 ... he has not had his fingerprints taken in the course of the investigation of the offence by the police; or

(b) F9 ... he has had his fingerprints taken in the course of that investigation [F10 but

(i) subsection (3A)(a) or (b) above applies, or

(ii) subsection (5C) below applies.]]

[F11 (5B) The fingerprints of a person not detained at a police station may be taken without the appropriate consent if (before or after the coming into force of this subsection) he has been charged with a recordable offence or informed that he will be reported for such an offence and—

(a) he has not had his fingerprints taken in the course of the investigation of the offence by the police; or

(b) he has had his fingerprints taken in the course of that investigation [F12 but

(i) subsection (3A)(a) or (b) above applies, or

(ii) subsection (5C) below applies.]]

[F13 (5C) This subsection applies where—

(a) the investigation was discontinued but subsequently resumed, and

(b) before the resumption of the investigation the fingerprints were destroyed pursuant to section 63D(3) below.]

[F14 (6) Subject to this section, the fingerprints of a person may be taken without the appropriate consent if (before or after the coming into force of this subsection)—

(a) he has been convicted of a recordable offence, [F15 or ]

(b) he has been given a caution in respect of a recordable offence which, at the time of the caution, he has admitted, [F16 and ]

F17 (c) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

either of the conditions mentioned in subsection (6ZA) below is met.

(6ZA) The conditions referred to in subsection (6) above are—

(a) the person has not had his fingerprints taken since he was convicted, [F18 or cautioned];

(b) he has had his fingerprints taken since then but subsection (3A)(a) or (b) above applies.

(6ZB) Fingerprints may only be taken as specified in subsection (6) above with the authorisation of an officer of at least the rank of inspector.

(6ZC) An officer may only give an authorisation under subsection (6ZB) above if the officer is satisfied that taking the fingerprints is necessary to assist in the prevention or detection of crime.]

[F19 (6A) A constable may take a person's fingerprints without the appropriate consent if—

(a) the constable reasonably suspects that the person is committing or attempting to commit an offence, or has committed or attempted to commit an offence; and

(b) either of the two conditions mentioned in subsection (6B) is met.

(6B) The conditions are that—

(a) the name of the person is unknown to, and cannot be readily ascertained by, the constable;

(b) the constable has reasonable grounds for doubting whether a name furnished by the person as his name is his real name.

(6C) The taking of fingerprints by virtue of subsection (6A) does not count for any of the purposes of this Act as taking them in the course of the investigation of an offence by the police.]

[F20 (6D) Subject to this section, the fingerprints of a person may be taken without the appropriate consent if—

(a) under the law in force in a country or territory outside England and Wales the person has been convicted of an offence under that law (whether before or after the coming into force of this subsection and whether or not he has been punished for it);

(b) the act constituting the offence would constitute a qualifying offence if done in England and Wales (whether or not it constituted such an offence when the person was convicted); and

(c) either of the conditions mentioned in subsection (6E) below is met.

(6E) The conditions referred to in subsection (6D)(c) above are—

(a) the person has not had his fingerprints taken on a previous occasion under subsection (6D) above;

(b) he has had his fingerprints taken on a previous occasion under that subsection but subsection (3A)(a) or (b) above applies.

(6F) Fingerprints may only be taken as specified in subsection (6D) above with the authorisation of an officer of at least the rank of inspector.

(6G) An officer may only give an authorisation under subsection (6F) above if the officer is satisfied that taking the fingerprints is necessary to assist in the prevention or detection of crime.]

[F21 (7) Where a person's fingerprints are taken without the appropriate consent by virtue of any power conferred by this section—

(a) before the fingerprints are taken, the person shall be informed of—

(i) the reason for taking the fingerprints;

(ii) the power by virtue of which they are taken; and

(iii) in a case where the authorisation of the court or an officer is required for the exercise of the power, the fact that the authorisation has been given; and

(b) those matters shall be recorded as soon as practicable after the fingerprints are taken.]

[F22 (7A) If a person’s fingerprints are taken at a police station, [F23 or by virtue of [F24 subsection (4A), (6A)] at a place other than a police station,] whether with or without the appropriate consent—

(a) before the fingerprints are taken, an officer [F25 (or, where by virtue of subsection (4A), (6A) or (6BA) the fingerprints are taken at a place other than a police station, the constable taking the fingerprints)] shall inform him that they may be the subject of a speculative search; and

(b) the fact that the person has been informed of this possibility shall be recorded as soon as is practicable after the fingerprints have been taken.]

(8) If he is detained at a police station when the fingerprints are taken, [F26 the matters referred to in subsection (7)(a)(i) to (iii) above] [F27 and, in the case falling within subsection (7A) above, the fact referred to in paragraph (b) of that subsection] shall be recorded on his custody record.

F28 (8A) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F29 (8B) Any power under this section to take the fingerprints of a person without the appropriate consent, if not otherwise specified to be exercisable by a constable, shall be exercisable by a constable.]

(9) Nothing in this section—

(a) affects any power conferred by paragraph 18(2) of Schedule 2 to the M1 Immigration Act 1971; or

[F30 (b) applies to a person arrested or detained under the terrorism provisions [F31 or under section 27 of the National Security Act 2023,] [F32 or detained under Part 1 of Schedule 3 to the Counter-Terrorism and Border Security Act 2019].]

[F33 (10) Nothing in this section applies to a person arrested under an extradition arrest power.]

Textual Amendments

F1 S. 61(3) substituted (5.4.2004) by Criminal Justice Act 2003 (c. 44), ss. 9(2), 336; S.I. 2004/829, art. 2(1)(2)(a) (subject to art. 2(3)-(6))

F2 S. 61(3A) inserted (1.1.2003) by 2001 c. 16, s. 78(3); S.I. 2002/3032, art. 2(a)

F3 Words in s. 61(3A) substituted (5.4.2004) by Criminal Justice Act 2003 (c. 44), ss. 9(3), 336; S.I. 2004/829, art. 2(1)(2)(a) (subject to art. 2(3)-(6))

F4 S. 61(4) substituted (5.4.2004) by Criminal Justice Act 2003 (c. 44), ss. 9(2), 336; S.I. 2004/829, art. 2(1)(2)(a) (subject to art. 2(3)-(6))

F5 S. 61(4A)(4B) inserted (1.1.2003) by 2001 c. 16, s. 78(4); S.I. 2002/3032, art. 2(a)

F6 Words in s. 61(5) substituted (5.4.2004) by Criminal Justice Act 2003 (c. 44), ss. 9(4), 336; S.I. 2004/829, art. 2(1)(2)(a) (subject to art. 2(3)-(6))

F7 S. 61(5A) inserted (7.3.2011) by Crime and Security Act 2010 (c. 17), ss. 2(1), 59(1); S.I. 2011/414, art. 2(b)

F8 Words in s. 61(5A)(a) omitted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 3.4.2017 in so far as not already in force) by virtue of Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), ss. 59(2)(a), 183(1)(5)(e); S.I. 2017/399, reg. 2, Sch. para. 12

F9 Words in s. 61(5A)(b) omitted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 3.4.2017 in so far as not already in force) by virtue of Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), ss. 59(2)(b), 183(1)(5)(e); S.I. 2017/399, reg. 2, Sch. para. 12

F10 Words in s. 61(5A)(b) substituted (13.5.2014) by Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 (c. 12), ss. 144(1)(a), 185(1) (with ss. 21, 33, 42, 58, 75, 93); S.I. 2014/949, art. 3, Sch. para. 13

F11 S. 61(5B) inserted (7.3.2011) by Crime and Security Act 2010 (c. 17), ss. 2(2), 59(1); S.I. 2011/414, art. 2(b)

F12 Words in s. 61(5B)(b) substituted (13.5.2014) by Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 (c. 12), ss. 144(1)(a), 185(1) (with ss. 21, 33, 42, 58, 75, 93); S.I. 2014/949, art. 3, Sch. para. 13

F13 S. 61(5C) inserted (13.5.2014) by Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 (c. 12), ss. 144(1)(b), 185(1) (with ss. 21, 33, 42, 58, 75, 93); S.I. 2014/949, art. 3, Sch. para. 13

F14 S. 61(6)-(6ZC) substituted for s. 61(6) (7.3.2011) by Crime and Security Act 2010 (c. 17), ss. 2(3), 59(1); S.I. 2011/414, art. 2(b)

F15 Word in s. 61(6)(a) inserted (8.4.2013) by Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (c. 10), s. 151(1), Sch. 24 para. 7(2)(a) (with s. 135(4)); S.I. 2013/453, art. 4(f)

F16 Word in s. 61(6)(b) substituted (8.4.2013) by Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (c. 10), s. 151(1), Sch. 24 para. 7(2)(b) (with s. 135(4)); S.I. 2013/453, art. 4(f)

F17 S. 61(6)(c) omitted (8.4.2013) by virtue of Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (c. 10), s. 151(1), Sch. 24 para. 7(2)(c) (with s. 135(4)); S.I. 2013/453, art. 4(f)

F18 Words in s. 61(6ZA)(a) substituted (8.4.2013) by Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (c. 10), s. 151(1), Sch. 24 para. 7(3) (with s. 135(4)); S.I. 2013/453, art. 4(f)

F19 S. 61(6A)-(6C) inserted (7.3.2011) by Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 (c. 15), ss. 117(2), 178(8); S.I. 2011/410, art. 2(a)

F20 S. 61(6D)-(6G) inserted (7.3.2011) by Crime and Security Act 2010 (c. 17), ss. 3(1), 59(1); S.I. 2011/414, art. 2(b)

F21 S. 61(7) substituted (7.3.2011) by Crime and Security Act 2010 (c. 17), ss. 4(1), 59(1); S.I. 2011/414, art. 2(b)

F22 S. 61(7A) inserted (10.4.1995) by 1994 c. 33, s. 168(2), Sch. 10 para. 56(a); S.I. 1995/721, art. 2, Sch. Appendix A

F23 Words in s. 61(7A) inserted (7.3.2011) by Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 (c. 15), ss. 117(4)(a), 178(8); S.I. 2011/410, art. 2(b)

F24 Words in s. 61(7A) substituted (7.3.2011) by Crime and Security Act 2010 (c. 17), ss. 4(2)(a), 59(1); S.I. 2011/414, art. 2(b)

F25 S. 61(7A)(a): By Crime and Security Act 2010 (c. 17), ss. 4(2)(b), 59(1); S.I. 2011/414, art. 2(b), it is provided that the words "(or, in a subsection (6A) case, the constable)" (which were inserted (prosp.) by 2005 c. 15, s. 117(4)(b)) be substituted (7.3.2011)

F26 Words in s. 61(8) substituted (7.3.2011) by Crime and Security Act 2010 (c. 17), ss. 4(3), 59(1); S.I. 2011/414, art. 2(b)

F27 Words in s. 61(8) inserted (10.4.1995) by 1994 c. 33, s. 168(2), Sch. 10 para. 56(b); S.I. 1995/721, art. 2, Sch. Appendix A

F28 S. 61(8A) repealed (12.1.2010) by Policing and Crime Act 2009 (c. 26), ss. 112(1)(2), 116(6), Sch. 7 para. 127(2), Sch. 8 Pt. 13

F29 S. 61(8B) substituted (7.3.2011) by Crime and Security Act 2010 (c. 17), ss. 2(4), 59(1); S.I. 2011/414, art. 2(b)

F30 S. 61(9)(b) substituted (19.2.2001) by 2000 c. 11, s. 125, Sch. 15 para. 5(7) (with s. 129(1)); S.I. 2001/421 art. 2

F31 Words in s. 61(9)(b) inserted (20.12.2023) by National Security Act 2023 (c. 32), s. 100(1), Sch. 18 para. 4(4) (with s. 97); S.I. 2023/1272, reg. 2(f)

F32 Words in s. 61(9)(b) inserted (13.8.2020) by Counter-Terrorism and Border Security Act 2019 (c. 3), s. 27(2)(d), Sch. 4 para. 18(5); S.I. 2020/792, reg. 2(i)

F33 S. 61(10) inserted (1.1.2004) by Extradition Act 2003 (c. 41), ss. 169(3), 221; S.I. 2003/3103, art. 2 (subject to savings in Order (as amended by S.I. 2003/3312, art. 2(2) and S.I. 2003/3258, art. 2(2)))

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 S. 61 applied (with modifications) by S.I. 1985/1882, art. 6

C2 S. 61 modified (2.8.1993) by S.I. 1993/1813, art. 6, Sch. 3 para. 3(2); and s. 61 modified by the said S.I. 1993/1813, art. 6, Sch. 3 para. 3 as incorporated (with modifications) (1.12.1997) by S.I. 1994/1405, art. 6, Sch. 3 para. 4

S. 61(1) applied (1.2.1997) by S.I. 1997/15, art. 2(1), Sch.

S. 61(2)-(7A) applied (with modifications) (1.2.1997) by S.I. 1997/15, art. 2(1), Sch.

C3 S. 61 extended (2.12.2002) by Police Reform Act 2002 (c. 30), s. 38, Sch. 4 Pt. 3 para. 29(a); S.I. 2002/2750, art. 2(a)(ii)(d)

C4 S. 61 applied (with modifications) (31.12.2006) by The Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (Application to the Armed Forces) Order 2006 (S.I. 2006/2015), arts. 2, 3, Schs. 1-3

C5 S. 61(1)-(8) modified (E.W.) (temp.) by Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act 1989 (c. 4, SIF 39:2), ss. 15(10), 16(1)(3)(4), 27(5), Sch. 5 para. 7(6)

C6 S. 61(7A)(a) modified (2.12.2002) by Police Reform Act 2002 (c. 30), s. 38, Sch. 4 Pt. 3 para. 29(b); S.I. 2002/2750, art. 2(a)(ii)(d)

Marginal Citations

M1 1971 c. 77.