1. Get your fingerprints taken
Question & Answer
Do I have to go for fingerprinting?You must give the police your fingerprints if you've been charged with an or a .
You don't have to give the police your fingerprints if you're charged with an that can only be considered a . But, if you are charged with a summary offence and it could have been a hybrid offence you may still have to give the police your fingerprints.
Don’t miss your appointment
If you've been and charged, but not held in , the police will give you a release document. There are several types of release documents. Examples include:
- a
- an
Your release document will tell you when and where to go to have your photos and fingerprints taken if you've been charged with an indictable offence or a hybrid offence. Bring the release document with you when you go to your appointment.
If you miss your appointment, you could be arrested, held, and charged with . Failure to appear is a criminal offence.
If you have an important reason to change the date, you can ask the police if they will change your appointment.
Having your fingerprints and photos taken
The fingerprinting process takes about 10 minutes. There may be other people also having their fingerprints and photos taken. You may have to wait your turn.
A laser machine will take a digital print of your fingers and palms. The police will also photograph your face.
The police may ask you questions about your physical appearance and personal history, such as:
- your height
- your weight
- whether you have tattoos or scars
- where you were born
Ask the police to stamp your release document after they've finished. This proves that you had your fingerprints and photos taken as required.
Questions about your charges
When they're taking fingerprints and photos, the police usually don't ask questions about the offences you've been charged with. You don’t have to answer any questions about the offence you’ve been charged with.
