Question
Can PSNI set out the numbers of individuals DNA, fingerprints and photographs currently held by PSNI and its best estimate of how many will need to be destroyed once the forthcoming Justice Act provisions on retention of biometric and other material are introduced and implemented?
Answer
Fingerprints
There are approximately 234,178 individual persons with fingerprints held against them. In terms of fingerprint forms held there are approximately 743,371 held on the various collections, which will include several relating to one individual. 14,067 of these accessible for ICRIR investigations only.
The number of crime scene marks that have been recovered and remain unidentified is currently 228,899.
DNA
Confirmed TACT and PACE profiles on the NI DNA Database is approximately 239,263
Images
In the region of 92,509 PSNI owned custody images held on PND (please note that this is a 2025 figure as the 2026 figure is not available).
Likely Deletion figures
For CJA in 2023 - approx.
DNA – 40,000 persons at Go live and 170 per month (17%)
Fingerprints – 65,000 persons (28%)
Notes:
- The Number of fingerprints and DNA profiles on the system is never static as new profiles are added and others are removed so therefore it will fluctuate daily.
- The number of fingerprints and DNA due to be deleted at the commencement of the Justice Bill will be dependent on the final biometric retention rules as per the legislation, and the final agreed review mechanisms. PSNI are not fully sighted on these at this time.
Les Allamby