Surely this is illegal?

Question

We were watching a programme on TV a couple of nights ago about fingerprinting techniques. Out of the blue, my 11 year old son said "That's how our fingerprints were taken last year when the police came to our school."

After questioning him about this, I found out that last year, during school hours, the police came to his school and fingerprinted all the children. Parents were not asked for their permission to do this and the prints are now on record. Surely the police only have the right to fingerprint people who are suspected of a crime? I am really angry about this and don't know how they are allowed to get away with it.

Answer 1

WOW, I wonder if the kids get Big Brother bonus points for turning in a family member? get a lawyer!

Answer 2

Yes that is illegal.  Now your sons fingerprints are in "the system".  The same thign happened a long time ago when I was in middle school and there was a big uproar among all the parents.  Im not sure how it ever turned out but it is illegal.

Answer 3

Surely it's illegal. First, the children are considered "minors" or "underage" and are subject of special rights. Second, by taking records on them, they could be harming their future life (work, study, etc). Third, and very important, they did it without your consent or knowledge, and because of that this kind of practice should be banned.

Maybe you should make public this case by mailing a local paper. Also write a formal document asking an official explanation from the police.

Answer 4

Assuming that you are in the UK. I can tell you that there is no way that a class of 11 year olds are going to have their prints put on any "system".

How could they be, when you need an arrest number or crime number to have them processed?

How could they be used for court in any case if they were illegally obtained?

I am, once again, staggered by the paranoia that says that the Police are all out to get the rest of the population.

We don't have the time, resources and most importantly the inclination to fit up 11 year olds.

This was done for the amusement of the kids not to assist the government with some sinister master plan.

What exactly are you angry about and why are you so angry?

Do you genuinely believe that the Police have acted unethically or illegally?

Because I very much doubt that that was the case.

Answer 5

I am not sure where you live but I would think yes, Illegal. There is a program through my childrens school called Safe Kids. We have the option to get them an ID card that includes a fingerprint but it is a paid service. If I were you I would be very angry and feel violated. This is the beginning of "big brother" and unfortunately your child might be recognized by that print through that school district!!!  I would call the School District and talk to the Board of Education immediately. I would also march myself right into the local police station and inquire about this practice. I would also rally neighbors with children and your childrens friends parents and see if anyone is aware of this fingerprinting. I am angry for you! Good luck.  

Answer 6

You've got to hand it to those cops, they're getting crafty. Don't worry about it too much, think of it as a preventative measure. It will make junior think twice in future. ;-)

Answer 7

are you sure it wasn't just a demonstration of what the police do, i remember them coming when i was at school

Answer 8

Its not unlawful, as in there is no law requiring me as a officer to inform you the parent that I fingerprinted your child. It may not be ethical for me to do it, but there is no law forbidding me.

In California at least

And dont call me Shirley (watch "Airplane")

Answer 9

That's very weird. I only got finger printed in elementary school for one of those cards they give parents to give the police if their kid went missing.

They definitely should have asked permission

Answer 10

score, think how compo you are due

Answer 11

Geez-- if it's not, it sure as h**l should be! How freaking sneaky can the government be?!

Let us know what you find out.  I'm angry FOR you!

Answer 12

They do this so they have a way to identify your child should something happen to them. Like kidnapping or worse.  I should think the parents should have been notified about it. I got a letter saying the school was doing this and if I objected to let them know.

Answer 13

it was a demo and they do not keep the fingerprints

lighten up