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The Police and Criminal Evidence (Northern Ireland) Order 1989

Status:

This is the original version (as it was originally made).

Search warrants—safeguards

17.—(1) This Article and Article 18 have effect in relation to the issue to constables under any statutory provision, including a statutory provision passed or made after the making of this Order, of warrants to enter and search premises; and an entry on or search of premises under a warrant is unlawful unless the warrant complies with this Article and is executed in accordance with Article 18.

(2) Where a constable applies for any such warrant, it shall be his duty—

(a)to state—

(i)the ground on which he makes the application; and

(ii)the statutory provision under which the warrant would be issued;

(b)to specify the premises which it is desired to enter and search; and

(c)to identify, so far as is practicable, the articles or persons to be sought.

(3) An application for such a warrant shall be supported by a complaint in writing and substantiated on oath.

(4) The constable shall answer any question that the justice of the peace or judge hearing the application asks him.

(5) A warrant shall authorise an entry on one occasion only.

(6) A warrant—

(a)shall specify—

(i)the name of the person who applies for it;

(ii)the date on which it is issued;

(iii)the statutory provision under which it is issued; and

(iv)the premises to be searched; and

(b)shall identify, so far as is practicable, the articles or persons to be sought.

(7) Two copies shall be made of a warrant.

(8) The copies shall be clearly certified as copies by the justice of the peace or judge who issues the warrant.

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