At a glance — bringing in the Police and Criminal Evidence Act:

August 2008: Phase One

— Fingerprints, photographs and DNA taken from all persons arrested for certain offences. Fingerprints stored digitally, DNA stored pending the set up of a national database

— Video ID parades replace the traditional line-ups

November-December 2008: Phase Two

— New powers to stop and search suspects and vehicles, forms detailing searches to be given to suspects

February-March 2009: Phase Three

Police have new powers to raid buildings and search for evidence after arrests are made

Audio-taped interviews replaced by video recordings

Upon completion of the new Hamilton Police Station in 2010: Phase Four

New procedures regarding the care of persons in custody and time limits for their detention