Annex B – Biometric Material Retention Schedule
Biometric retention periods as defined under Part 5 of PACE
Individuals convicted of an offence
| Situation | Fingerprint & DNA Retention Period |
|---|---|
| Adult convicted (including cautions) of any recordable offence | Indefinite |
| Under 18 convicted (including cautions, reprimands and final warnings) of a qualifying offence | Indefinite |
| Under 18 convicted of a minor offence |
1st conviction: Five years (plus length of any custodial sentence), or indefinite if the custodial sentence is five years or more. 2nd conviction: indefinite |
Individuals not convicted of an offence
| Situation | Fingerprint & DNA Retention Period |
|---|---|
| Any age charged with but not convicted of a qualifying offence | Three years + two year extension if granted by District Judge (or indefinite if previously convicted of a recordable offence which is not excluded) |
| Any age arrested for but not charged with a qualifying offence | Three years if granted by Biometrics Commissioner + two year extension if granted by District Judge (or indefinite if previously convicted or a recordable offence which is not excluded) |
| Any age arrested for or charged with a minor offence | None (or indefinite if there is a previous conviction for a recordable offence which is not excluded) but speculatively searched against National DNA Database and national fingerprint database |
| Penalty Notice for Disorder | Two years |
Source: National Police Chiefs’ Council, ACRO Criminal Records Office, Retention Schedule
