The Department of Justice has announced plans to consult the public on new proposals designed to establish a formal review mechanism for the retention of DNA profiles and fingerprints across Northern Ireland.
Following the appointment of the Northern Ireland Biometrics Commissioner, independent oversight will be established to monitor the operation of this framework and its associated review procedures.
Under the current legal basis provided by PACE NI, the Police Service of Northern Ireland holds authority to collect, retain and delete biometric information.
The proposed framework aims to balance the objectives of supporting crime prevention and detection with adherence to European Court of Human Rights rulings in S and Marper v UK and Gaughran v UK.
Specific proposals under consideration include a system where long-term retained DNA profiles and fingerprints are subject to a scheduled review part-way through their maximum retention period.
Media representatives may contact the Department of Justice Press Office via email at press.office@justice-ni.gov.uk or by telephone on 028 9052 6444 for further information regarding this consultation.
The Executive Information Service offers an out-of-hours media enquiry service between 1800 hours and 0800 hours Monday through Friday, as well as at weekends and public holidays.
Duty press officers can be reached on 028 9037 8110 for urgent matters during these extended hours.