Correct on the date of publication - 8 December 2025
Question:
If an identification officer directs another officer or member of police staff to make arrangements for, and to conduct, an identification procedure, does that delegation end their involvement?
Answer:
Paragraph 3.11 of PACE Code of Practice D provides guidance in relation to arranging an eye-witness identification procedures and the duties of an identification officer. Should the circumstances be suitable for the identification officer to direct another officer or member of police staff to make arrangements for, and to conduct, an identification procedure, that does not end their involvement. The identification officer retains overall responsibility for the procedure and must be able to supervise effectively and either intervene or be contacted for advice. The outcome must be reported to the identification officer as soon as practicable.
Note that compliance with reporting the outcome to the identification officer requires a positive communication and this will allow them to fulfil their supervisory role of the procedure. There is nothing within the legislation or guidance that dictates this communication must be in any particular format – for example, it could be done verbally or in writing. However, updating a crime report, occurrence enquiry log or equivalent, without that update being brought to the attention of the identification officer or them acknowledging it, would not satisfy the requirement within paragraph 3.11 – the identification officer must actually be informed of the outcome.
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