Archive of fingerprints taken after full implantation of IDENT1
Freedom of information request reference no: 01.FOI.23.028429
I note you seek access to the following information:
What is the national fingerprint archive?
Does the archive contain copies of fingerprints taken after the full implementation of IDENT1 (2004-Present)
Are historical copies of fingerprints stored on the archive deleted in line with POFA when required?
Do the majority of records on the national archive have a digital record on IDENT1?
If the archive doesn’t contain copies of fingerprints taken after the implementation of IDENT1, is there an active backup of fingerprints stored on IDENT1?
Decision
I have today decided to disclose the located information to you in full.
Please find below information pursuant to your request above.
What is the national fingerprint archive?
The National Archive was managed and funded by the Home Office until 2004 at which point the MPS took over the management. It contains the first Collection Copy (ink set) taken by all UK police forces which included the Met. When a force took a set of prints they would retain one set and send the other to retain in the National Collection. These were filed under Henry Classification an algebraic and numerical coding system. After 1991 Collection Copies were filed in Numerical Year order instead of Henry classification. A separate ink set of Palm Prints were also taken and submitted.
Does the archive contain copies of fingerprints taken after the full implementation of IDENT1 (2004-Present)
Since the implementation of NAFIS/IDENT 1 on the 13th September 1999 all subsequent sets taken for an individual are held by the Police Force taking them. Note MPS Collection Copies are stored in the same archive as the National Archive. From 2013 the systems went paperless, so the majority are stored as an electronic copy on Ident1 only.
Are historical copies of fingerprints stored on the archive deleted in line with POFA when required?
Yes.
Do the majority of records on the national archive have a digital record on IDENT1?
The majority of records in individual force archives will have a digital copy on Ident1.
If the archive doesn’t contain copies of fingerprints taken after the implementation of IDENT1, is there an active backup of fingerprints stored on IDENT1?
Yes, Ident1 is constantly backed up, this process is managed by Leidos and the Home Office.