Policing.uk

Taking Fingerprints

PACE 1984, s.61

  • Warrant: No
  • Force: Yes
  • Notice: No

Provides the power to take fingerprints from a person detained at a police station. Fingerprints may be taken without consent if the person has been charged with or informed that they will be reported for a recordable offence, or if an officer of at least inspector rank authorises the taking on the ground that fingerprints are necessary to confirm or disprove the person's involvement in an offence. Fingerprints may also be taken following conviction.

Conditions

  • The person must have been detained at a police station or convicted of a recordable offence
  • Without consent: requires charge, report, or inspector authorisation with reasonable suspicion of involvement
  • The person must be informed that their fingerprints are being taken and the reason

Limitations

  • Reasonable force may be used to take fingerprints without consent under s.117
  • Fingerprints taken from a person not subsequently convicted may be subject to destruction requirements
  • The person must be told the reason for taking fingerprints before the procedure begins

Last updated 24 September 2026