Politics

Police end fingerprinting on criminal case forms

• Publication Date：09/21/2009
• Source： China Times

The National Police Agency under the Ministry of the Interior will no longer require fingerprints on criminal case forms, it announced Sept. 18.

Under President Ma Ying-jeou’s directive to respect human rights, the NPA Aug. 1 cancelled requirements for fingerprints on 53 types of traffic and administrative forms, including breath test printouts and automobile impoundment receipts, instead requiring only a signature. In the spirit of Grand Justice Ruling No. 603, this move has now been extended to criminal case forms, including depositions, effective Oct. 1.

According to the criminal procedure code, however, to investigate crimes and gather and file evidence, police may take fingerprints and photographs of suspects in detention or under arrest.

Human rights groups feel that many criminal case forms and documents are not covered in the criminal procedure code, but are still required by administrative offices. These papers also should not require fingerprints in addition to a signature.

The NPA admitted that such forms are part of common practice, but in light of the president’s directive that the police put more emphasis on human rights and efficiency, NPA Director-General Wang Cho-chiun ordered a review of all procedures. After discussions with the Judicial Yuan, it was decided fingerprints would no longer be needed on criminal case forms.

The NPA said among 34 criminal case forms now in use, four call for a signature, 18 a signature, seal or fingerprints, and the rest a signature and seal. In the future requirements will be printed clearly on each form to inform the citizenry, marking a great step forward in the guarantee of human rights. (THN)

(This article first appeared in the “China Times” Sept. 19, 2009.)