UK biometrics commissioner issues interim report

The UK Biometrics Commissioner, Professor Paul Wiles has issued an interim report on the use and retention of DNA samples, DNA profiles and fingerprints by police in England and Wales. The report considers how the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 (PoFA) relates to normal policing,national security and the implementation of new counter-terrorism legislation. It notes that police are not collecting biometric information in situations where they have a basis to do so, and this may have undermined forensic investigations. It also considers the legality of use of new biometric technologies such as  live automated facial recognition in police work. It recommends use of data analytics to determine the biometrics to be retained for counterterrorism efforts.