Crime and intelligence - Fingerprints: Fingerprints for non-policing purposes procedure (S2603)

2.1 Fingerprints for non-policing purposes include fingerprints for emigration, visas, good conduct certificates and any other reasonable request from a government, embassy or agency which is supported by official documentation requesting the provision of fingerprints (includes both UK and international requests).

2.2 The standard operating procedure will ensure that requests are processed correctly and that applicants are provided with fingerprints which meet the quality standards of the government or agency involved.

3.1. A set of fingerprints requested for non-policing purposes must be taken by a Crime Scene Investigator (CSI), or in exceptional circumstances where CSIs are not available a police staff employee (PSE) or police officer who is competent in the taking of fingerprints.

3.2. Members of the public requiring a set of fingerprints for the above purpose can make a request on the Kent Police website (advice and information - requests - request your fingerprints), they can then follow the instructions and make an appointment. At the arranged appointment the member of public must present themselves on the designate date to Kent Police front counter where they should bring a proof of identification, which bears a photograph, e.g. a passport. This also applies to applications for fingerprints for children.

3.3.  If not using the Kent Police website process, the member of the public can attend a Kent Police front counter. On receipt of a cheque/cash by the front counter staff for all sets requested, the applicant will receive an information letter containing contact numbers to make an appointment with a CSI (see FP 53 Essex/Kent - Emigration fingerprints).

3.4. Once form FP53 has been downloaded at the front counter and payment made, the front counter staff will endorse the section at the bottom of the form.

3.5. A receipt will be issued by the front counter staff for fee paid. This income will be logged as miscellaneous income and forwarded to the divisional finance officer who will bank the money under the relevant cost centre for FID, SCD (cost centre SC41H3Z internal order 13V).

3.6. The information letter supplied to the applicant will have a selection of appointment times and dates offered at various CSI offices around the county where the fingerprint sets will be taken.

3.7. As many sets of fingerprints as required will be taken and the fees will be charged in accordance with policy NPCC charging guidance (currently £113.88 including VAT for one set and £57.00 including VAT for any additional sets thereafter).

3.8. The fingerprints should be taken on the National Elimination Fingerprint Form NAFIS 3A (or official form provided by applicant) and must be certified by the officer taking the fingerprints.

3.9. Officers and staff will follow the joint Kent and Essex policy L1440 Health and safety when taking fingerprints.

4.1 An EIA has been carried out and shows the proposals in this policy would have no potential or actual differential impact on grounds of race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, transgender, disability, age, religion or belief or sexual orientation

5.1 This SOP has been assessed as medium risk.

• Forensic Investigations Kent (Forensic Operations Co-ordinator)
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7.1 This procedure will be monitored every two years by the policy author with the next review scheduled for July 2025. The policy author receives all updates to legislation and ACPO guidance on all matters relating to fingerprints and this procedure will be updated accordingly in line with the governing policy.