Biometrics
Biometric data or ‘Biometrics’ is a print, impression, sample or image taken from a person to help identify them.
This may be fingerprints, a sample of DNA (your unique genetic code) or a photograph taken in custody.
Your biometric data may be taken when you are arrested and/or held in custody.
What samples may be taken?
We may take a photograph of your face, a copy of your fingerprints, or take mouth swabs or hair samples to obtain your DNA.
The processes are quick and our staff will explain each step. A note of all samples taken (including any photographs) will be recorded on your custody record.
Why are biometric samples and images taken?
Biometric samples and images are taken to confirm your identity, for use as evidence if you have committed a criminal offence or to help eliminate you from an investigation.
For example, to aid an investigation, your image may be shown to witnesses or your finger prints or DNA may be compared to fingerprints or DNA left at a crime scene.
Will you share my data with anyone else?
Your data may be shared with other law enforcement agencies in the UK or internationally, but only for a policing purpose, for example, as part of an investigation.
The Scottish Policy Authority - Forensic Services (SPA FS) processes samples and retains data on behalf of Police Scotland.
What happens to my biometric data?
Your biometric data will be stored or destroyed depending on the circumstances.
The Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 and Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2003 control how we gather, use, share and destroy biometric data.
How long will you keep my biometric data?
How long your biometrics are retained is based on the outcome of the police investigation and/or any court proceedings, and the nature of the offence.
Full details of Police Scotland’s retention periods for images, fingerprints and DNA are published in Police Scotland Records Retention SOP.
What are my rights?
You have rights in relation to the personal data we hold about you.
Your rights include (but are not limited to) the right to be informed about the use of your personal data, accessing what information we hold about you through a Subject Access Request, and the right to request this data is corrected or deleted, as required.
What does Police Scotland do with my biometric data?
We will store your personal data if it is relevant to an investigation, or destroy it if it is not relevant or in accordance with our retention policy.
If you would like to find out more about what Police Scotland does with your personal data, how long we keep it and on what legal basis please visit Privacy Notices - Police Scotland.
If you would like to know what biometric data belonging to you is held by Police Scotland, please complete a Subject Access Request.
If you are unhappy in any way with how Police Scotland or SPA FS has dealt with your personal data, you have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner, the UK's independent body set up to uphold information rights.
Find out more about the Information Commissioner.
Scottish Biometrics Commissioner
Police Scotland is regulated by the Scottish Biometrics Commissioner’s statutory Code of Practice.
The Code ensures ethical and transparent collection and use of biometric data and technologies.
The Commissioner is independent, appointed by the Scottish Parliament to safeguard how biometric data is used by the police in Scotland.
If you are unhappy with how Police Scotland or SPA FS has dealt with your personal data, you have the right to complain to the Scottish Biometrics Commissioner.
The Commissioner’s website has easy read versions of the Code of Practice and complaints procedure.
Find out more about the Scottish Biometrics Commissioner and your privacy. Or how to make a complaint.
Biometrics leaflet
Management Information Reports
Biometric Custody Data Apr - Jun 2024
Biometric Custody Data July- Sept 2024
