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What to do if…
you are asked to provide fingerprints, a DNA sample, or other identification for a case

Produced and maintained by PanicStation.org Published: Last reviewed: Editorial policy UK guide

Short answer

Pause before you agree, sign, or answer case questions. Ask whether the fingerprint, DNA, photograph, swab, or identification request is legally required today, voluntary, or being requested with your consent, then ask for legal advice before you decide anything.

Do not do these things

  • Don’t agree just to get it over with if you are unsure whether it is voluntary.
  • Don’t physically resist or struggle if you are in custody; keep it calm and verbal, and ask for a solicitor.
  • Don’t sign anything you have not read or do not understand, especially anything describing consent.
  • Don’t give extra explanations, names, timelines, or guesses before legal advice.
  • Don’t assume a DNA profile, fingerprints, or photograph will be deleted later; ask what storage, retention, or review route may apply.
  • If you are not detained and the request is voluntary, don’t let pressure make you stay and decide on the spot.

What to do now

  1. Get the request clear and write it down.

    • Ask for the name, force, role, station or office, and case reference.
    • Write down exactly what is being requested: fingerprints, a mouth swab, head hair root, skin swab, photograph, custody image, elimination sample, or an identification procedure.
    • Ask whether you are being treated as a witness, volunteer, suspect, detained person, arrested person, or charged person.

  2. Ask one direct question.

    • Say: “Am I legally required to provide this today?”
    • If they say yes, ask: “What is the legal power, and does it apply where I am in the UK?”
    • If they say no or say it is voluntary, say: “I am not consenting today. I want legal advice first.”

  3. Ask what type of sample or identification is involved.

    • Say: “Is this fingerprints, a photograph, a mouth swab, a hair-root sample, a skin swab, or something else?”
    • If they mention blood, urine, or dental impressions, ask: “Are you asking for my permission, and who has authorised this?”
    • Write down the answer; do not argue about it there.

  4. If you are in custody or at a police station, ask for a solicitor immediately.

    • Say: “I want legal advice. Please arrange a solicitor.”
    • Ask for the custody officer if you are unsure what is happening.
    • Avoid discussing the allegation or the case until you have spoken to the solicitor.

  5. If you are being asked to attend later, slow it down.

    • Ask for the request in writing.
    • Ask for the time, place, what will be taken, whether attendance is required, and what they say may happen if you do not attend.
    • Send the request to your solicitor, or ask the station how to access legal advice if you do not have one.

  6. If it is an identification procedure, ask for legal advice first.

    • Say: “I want legal advice before any identification procedure.”
    • Ask whether it is video identification, photographs, an identification parade, group identification, or another process.
    • Ask when it is due to happen and whether you are expected to attend.

  7. Ask about storage and deletion without debating it.

    • Say: “Will this be stored on a police database, and what deletion or review route may apply if I am not charged, no further action is taken, or I am cleared?”
    • Write down the answer and the name of the person who gave it.
    • Leave any challenge or application until you have legal advice.

  8. Use one calm line if you feel pressured.

    • Say: “I am not trying to be difficult. I am asking for legal advice before I agree, sign, or answer case questions.”

  9. If you are under 18 or you are a vulnerable adult, ask for support before anything happens.

    • Say: “I want an appropriate adult and a solicitor.”
    • Do not agree to continue without them unless your solicitor advises you.

What can wait

  • You do not need to decide now whether to complain, challenge retention, or make a deletion request.
  • You do not need to explain your side to speed things up.
  • You do not need to guess what the police already know.
  • You do not need to work out the whole law; your immediate job is to ask whether it is required, avoid accidental consent, and get legal advice.

Important reassurance

Being asked for DNA, fingerprints, photographs, or an identification procedure can feel exposing and frightening. Pausing, asking whether it is required or voluntary, and asking for legal advice are ordinary protective steps.

Scope note

These are first steps only. They are deliberately general because police powers and procedures can vary by situation and by where you are in the UK. Later decisions about consent, attendance, retention, deletion, complaints, or challenging the process may need advice from a solicitor or another specialist.

Important note

This is general information, not legal advice. Police powers and procedures can depend on where you are in the UK, whether you are arrested or attending voluntarily, your age, the type of sample or identification, and the offence or case.

Additional Resources

Closely connected guides that may be useful during the same situation or its immediate aftermath.

About this guide

This guide was produced and is maintained by PanicStation.org using its published editorial process. Official and specialist sources are checked where relevant, and AI-assisted tools may be used for drafting, organisation, and consistency checks. The site operator remains responsible for publication, revision, and removal decisions.

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