Intimate Sample (PACE)
Definition
Under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, a sample of blood, semen, or any other tissue fluid, urine, or pubic hair, or a swab taken from a body orifice, or a dental impression. Requires written consent and senior officer authorisation.
- Governing statute
- Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (England & Wales)
- Includes
- Blood, semen, tissue fluid, urine, pubic hair, orifice swab, dental impression
- Authorisation needed
- Written consent plus senior officer authorisation
Common questions
What happens if a suspect refuses consent?+
Refusal without good cause cannot be overridden by force for most intimate sample categories under PACE, but the refusal itself can be treated as potentially adverse in later court proceedings.
How does this differ from a non-intimate sample?+
Non-intimate samples such as head hair, fingernail scrapings or a mouth swab can be taken under lower-level authorisation and, in defined circumstances, without the suspect's consent.
Related terms
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- Non-Intimate Sample (PACE)
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- Testimonial Evidence
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