Taking Non-Intimate Samples

PACE 1984, s.63

Warrant: No
Force: Yes
Notice: No

Provides the power to take non-intimate samples (such as hair, nail clippings, swabs from any part of the body other than a body orifice, saliva, and footwear impressions) from a person in police detention without consent, provided an officer of at least inspector rank authorises it. Authorisation requires reasonable grounds for suspecting involvement in a recordable offence and for believing the sample will tend to confirm or disprove involvement.

Conditions

The person must be in police detention or have been charged with a recordable offence
Authorisation must be given by an officer of at least inspector rank
There must be reasonable grounds for suspecting involvement and for believing the sample will be probative

Limitations

Intimate samples (blood, urine, dental impressions, swabs from body orifices) require consent and are governed by s.62
Samples from unconvicted persons may be subject to destruction requirements under the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012
A record must be made of the sample taken, the officer who authorised it, and the grounds

Last updated 24 September 2026