Fiches Belges

In relation to an official duty, a police officer has the right to obtain from anyone information on his name, personal identity number, date of birth and nationality, as well as on the address where he can be contacted (case a). Pre-trial investigation authorities may record fingerprints, handprints, footprints, handwriting and voice samples, photographs and information on identifying marks to identify a person suspected of an offence, investigate an offence and register offenders. In certain cases, pertaining to a criminal investigation, the personal identifying characteristics of a non-suspect may be ordered recorded as well. Personal identifying characteristics shall not be used in the investigation of any other offence; neither shall they be retained or registered for any other purpose (case b). A suspect may be subjected to an invasive body search necessary for DNA-profiling, if the maximum sentence is at least 6 months imprisonment. (case c) There are no specific provisions on verifying the identity of a person appearing in court.

EIO MLA 2000 Convention

National Bureau of Investigation

Finnish, Swedish or English

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If superficial or invasive body search is required in case b, the measure is authorized by an investigator-in-charge or a prosecutor. Police Officers may apprehend for a maximum of 24 hours a person who refuses to give the required information or probably gives false information (case a). A person suspected on probable cause of an offence may be arrested for a minimum of four days if he refuses to disclose his name or address or gives apparently false information. The practical execution in case c resembles that of invasive body search.