At present, fingerprints are not recorded as part of the passport application process, although we intend to record fingerprint biometrics in future, as part of the development of the national identity scheme.
When fingerprint biometric passports are introduced, we do not plan to check fingerprints recorded during the application process against police fingerprint records as a matter of routine. However, in cases which cause particular concern (in the case of suspected fraud, for example), we may contact the police for information to support the examination of such applications and, depending on the case, this may involve conducting a search against police fingerprint records.