Forensic Information Databases Service

The Forensic Information Databases Service (FINDS) Unit in the Home Office manages national biometric databases on behalf of policing.

The Forensic Information Databases Service (FINDS) Unit manages the:

  • National DNA Database (NDNAD)
  • National Fingerprint Database (IDENT1)
  • National Footwear Database

The databases generate matches linking forensic evidence found at scenes of crime to the biometrics of people who have been arrested.

Database matches can also be generated for safeguarding purposes – linking the DNA and fingerprints from missing persons and vulnerable persons (who may have come to harm) to scenes of crime. There are specific collections set-up on IDENT1 for missing persons and vulnerable persons and FINDS directly manages the:

  • Missing Persons DNA Database (MPDD)
  • Vulnerable persons DNA Database (VPDD)

What we do

FINDS is responsible to the Forensic Information Databases (FIND) Strategy Board (for DNA and fingerprints) and the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) Fingerprint and Footwear Strategic Board (for footwear) for:

  • managing the biometric databases
  • assurance activities to monitor compliance against standards

FINDS Vision

The FINDS vision is to embrace scientific and digital innovation, providing progressive national biometric databases to support UK and international policing in:

  • identifying offenders
  • reducing crime
  • supporting the identification of missing persons
  • safeguarding vulnerable people

FINDS Mission

FINDS will contribute to the successful achievement of the Home Office objectives through the provision of an increasingly effective service to policing and the wider Criminal Justice System.

FINDS is dedicated to seeking continual improvement and utilising vigorous frameworks to ensure that services provided continue to be accurate, secure, timely, and reliable. FINDS will demonstrate exemplary integrity in the management of information overseen by the unit and will operate with progressive and demanding standards that continue to build confidence in the veracity of the databases to our customers and the public.

We are committed to encouraging and supporting technological advancements and will continue to focus future developments on customer needs, delivering value and benefit from investment, and increasing the ability to detect and prevent crime.

Proficiency testing (PT)

The high performance of laboratories that process forensic evidence is critical in the ability to generate a DNA profile that is of high enough quality to search against, or keep on, the NDNAD.

Proficiency testing is an essential requirement for the accreditation of forensic service provider (FSP) units to ISO/IEC 17025. It is also an important way of comparing laboratory performance against other organisations carrying out similar tasks.  Proficiency testing schemes provided by FINDS allow FSPs to identify and implement improvements and provide assurance on the quality of their processes.

FINDS also provides an ISO/IEC17043 accredited body fluid assessment and identification (BFAI) proficiency testing scheme. The scheme supports law enforcement agencies (LEAs) to locate, identify, and recover body fluids and cellular material. Carrying out these activities to the highest possible standard is essential for isolating a good quality forensic DNA sample suitable for processing.

The current scheme covers the provision of items seeded with blood and cellular material - including cellular touch, cellular worn, and cellular buccal (mouth cells) saliva - which are body fluids regularly recovered at crime scenes. The participating organisation must perform an assessment of the test items, locate and identify the body fluid and, where applicable, recover sufficient DNA to produce a profile suitable for NDNAD searching.

FINDS provide a scheme specifically focussed on Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) activities to assist SARCs in meeting their requirements for accreditation. The SARC proficiency test is undertaken via FINDS providing a ‘verification package’ of a piece of vinyl (which simulates skin texture) and a gynaecological anatomical model, which have both been seeded with body fluids containing DNA. The aim of the test centres upon SARC staff being able to identify the correct areas to sample to locate the body fluids, and then apply appropriate recovery techniques which allow sufficient DNA to be gathered to generate a DNA profile suitable for comparison against the NDNAD.

For queries from organisations on the proficiency testing services offered by FINDS, email forensic.information.databases.service@homeoffice.gov.uk

Database Services

Database Services provide administrative oversight of the database systems, including data integrity, security, and access. Data reconciliation services are provided to maintain the integrity of the records retained on the databases and corresponding information present on the Police National Computer (PNC).

NDNAD Operations enable DNA profiles to be searched 24/7 to provide matches between crime scenes and individuals, or between different crime scenes. The match information is sent out to UK and international LEAs to support the investigation of offences.

The FINDS NFPO (National Fingerprint and PNC Office) ensure the accuracy and integrity of fingerprint records held on IDENT1, the PNC criminal arrest history for these records, and the historical microfiche records. NFPO also process intelligence fingerprint matches for the National Crime Agency (NCA) Missing Persons Unit.

National Footwear System (NFS) operations oversee the availability and integrity of the records on the National Footwear Reference Collection (NFRC) and the National Footwear Database (NFD). FINDS activities include operational delivery of Footwear services in line with NPCC Fingerprint and Footwear Strategic Board requirements, ongoing development of the databases, and being the front-line operational contact point for customers.

Performance impact analysts (PIAs)

PIAs manage the data integrity of the whole DNA and fingerprint supply process. They:

  • identify trends and metrics to monitor compliance against standards
  • work with stakeholders and customers (LEAs and FSPs) to identify where process improvements could be made to maintain the data integrity of matches generated from the databases

PIAs also collate the information necessary to answer parliamentary questions and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) submissions, and provide data for the FIND Strategy Board annual report.

DNA Scientific Services

Scientific Services lead on scientific development and research. They provide expertise to develop and implement business processes to support the adoption of new technology within the forensic information databases while collaborating with stakeholders. Database improvements are reported in the FIND Strategy Board annual report.

Scientific Services also directly administer:

  • the UK national Missing Persons DNA Database (MPDD), processing intelligence DNA matches for the NCA Missing Persons Unit
  • the Forensic Science Service (FSS) DNA library, ensuring the ongoing availability and integrity of DNA profiles that were generated by the FSS in support of the criminal justice system

Documents and references

FINDS policy documents:

FIND Strategy Board policy documents:

FIND Strategy Board governance and annual report:

National DNA Database statistics – quarterly

Contact details

forensic.information.databases.service@homeoffice.gov.uk

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