Archive for June 30th 2011

Is an arrest necessary or practical?

If a person is arrested it not only deprives them of their liberty but it means they have an arrest record and all of their biometric data (fingerprints, DNA) remains on the Police National Computer for an indefinite period of time even if they are never prosecuted. This may have consequences in the future in terms of employment and travel to different jurisdictions. It is therefore important to ensure that the police exercise their power of arrest properly and in a proportionate manner.