Annex G: Requirement for a person to attend a police station for fingerprints and samples (paragraphs 4.4, 6.2A and 6.6A)
1. A requirement under Schedule 2A for a person to attend a police station to have fingerprints or samples taken:
(a) must give the person a period of at least seven days within which to attend the police station; and
(b) may direct them to attend at a specified time of day or between specified times of day.
2. When specifying the period and times of attendance, the officer making the requirements must consider whether the fingerprints or samples could reasonably be taken at a time when the person is required to attend the police station for any other reason. See Note G1.
3. An officer of the rank of inspector or above may authorise a period shorter than 7 days if there is an urgent need for person’s fingerprints or sample for the purposes of the investigation of an offence. The fact of the authorisation and the reasons for giving it must be recorded as soon as practicable.
4. The constable making a requirement and the person to whom it applies may agree to vary it so as to specify any period within which, or date or time at which, the person is to attend. However, variation shall not have effect for the purposes of enforcement, unless it is confirmed by the constable in writing.
Notes for guidance
G1 The specified period within which the person is to attend need not fall within the period allowed (if applicable) for making the requirement.
G2 To justify the arrest without warrant of a person who fails to comply with a requirement, (see paragraphs 4.4(b) and 6.7(b) above), the officer making the requirement, or confirming a variation, should be prepared to explain how, when and where the requirement was made or the variation was confirmed and what steps were taken to ensure the person understood what to do and the consequences of not complying with the requirement.
The Code contained in this booklet has been issued by the Home Secretary under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 and has been approved by Parliament.
Copies of the Codes issued under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 must be readily available in all police stations for consultation by police officers, detained people and members of the public.