Public polling - biometric responses

In February the SPA carried out a public survey. As part of this survey they asked six biometric questions.

The following question were asked:

1. To what extent would you say that you understand the reasons why the police take fingerprints, photographs and DNA samples of people  who have been arrested in Scotland?

2. To what extent do you think: Taking fingerprints, photographs, and DNA from people who have been arrested by the police helps towards solving crime in Scotland?

3. To what extent do you think: Fingerprints and DNA recovered at crime scene help the police in solving crimes? 

4. How long do you think that the police should be able to retain fingerprints, photographs or DNA from people who have been convisted of a crime in Scotland? 

5. To what extent do you agree / disagree with the following: Police should be able to take fingerprints, photographs and DNA from children and young people under 16 years who have been arrested in Scotland 

6. To what extent do you agree / disagree with the following: Police in Scotland should use technology that can identify people's faces in  public spaces to help identify persons who may be wanted by police

The responses to these questions can be here. 

The survey was carried out in partnership with the SPA and Diffley. 

On the 17 March 2026 the SPA public polling insights were discussed at the Policing Performance Committee and the paper can be found below. 

https://www.spa.police.uk/publication-library/public-polling-insights-17-march-2026/