Policy paper

Principles for assessing applications for biometric retention

This document outlines the commissioner’s approach for assessing applications for biometric retention.

Documents

Principles for assessing applications for biometric retention

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Details

In 2013, the Biometrics Commissioner issued a consultation on their preliminary proposals on how they should approach applications made under the then-new section 63G of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 and the factors to which they should attach significance when determining them.

This guidance was first published after consideration of the responses to that consultation exercise, setting out the principles and factors informing the commissioner’s approach to such applications.

Updates to this page

Published 11 November 2013
Last updated 26 March 2026 + show all updates
  1. Document updated to reflect the merging of the Biometrics and Surveillance Camera Commissioner roles into one office. Minor updates made, including making pronouns gender-neutral and removal of details which are no longer relevant.

  2. First published.

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