Explanatory Memorandum

Justice Act (Northern Ireland) 2015

2015 CHAPTER 9

24 July 2015

Commentary on Sections

Part 9: Miscellaneous

Personal samples, DNA profiles and fingerprints

Section 83: Power to take further fingerprints or non-intimate samples

This section amends Article 61 and Article 63 of PACE to provide powers for police to take fingerprints or a non-intimate sample from persons without their consent, in cases where the investigation was discontinued but then resumed and the previous DNA sample, profile and fingerprints had been destroyed.

Consequential amendments to Schedule 2A of PACE, impose a time limit of six months from the resumption of the investigation for the sample and fingerprints to be retaken.