Supplementary DNA Profile Provisions

PACE 1984, s.63A

Warrant: No
Force: Yes
Notice: No

Governs how DNA profiles derived from samples taken under PACE may be used, retained, and compared against records held on the National DNA Database. Section 63A permits a DNA profile to be checked against other profiles held by the police or on the database. It also establishes the framework (as amended by the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012) for retention and destruction of DNA profiles depending on the outcome of the case.

Conditions

The DNA profile must have been derived from a sample lawfully taken under PACE
Profiles may be searched and compared against the National DNA Database
Retention periods depend on the age of the person, the offence, and whether they were convicted

Limitations

Profiles from persons not convicted must be destroyed after the prescribed retention period unless a court extends it
The Biometrics Commissioner oversees extended retention applications
Profiles may only be used for the prevention or detection of crime, the investigation of an offence, or the conduct of a prosecution

Last updated 24 September 2026