(1)Section 18 material which is not a DNA sample may be retained for as long as a national security determination made by the responsible officer, or by a chief officer of police, has effect in relation to it.

(2) A national security determination is made if the responsible officer, or a chief officer of police, determines that it is necessary for any such section 18 material to be retained for the purposes of national security.

(3) A national security determination -

(a) must be made in writing,

(b) has effect for a maximum of 5 years beginning with the date on which the determination is made, and

(c) may be renewed.

(4) In this section "chief officer of police" means a person other than the responsible officer who is -

(a) the chief officer of police of a police force in England and Wales, or

(b) the Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland.