The Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) and its Codes of Practice are a vital part of the legislative framework that lays out police powers for combating crime. PACE Code D governs the exercise by police of statutory powers to identify persons.

Code D explores the main methods used by the police to identify people in connection with the investigation of offences and the keeping of accurate and reliable criminal records. This Code of Practice must be readily available at all police stations for consultation by police officers, police staff, detained persons and members of the public.

This code has effect in relation to any identification procedure carried out after 00:00 on 20 December 2023.