Powers To Keep DNA And Fingerprints Under Section 63g (PACE)

24th June 2023

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.