Stop and search
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Searching premises
With consent from the occupier (or a warrant), police can search premises at any reasonable time. Once police have been invited onto the premises (even for an unrelated matter), a drugs search can be undertaken if they have grounds for suspicion. Occupants have a right to see a warrant, or a written outline of their rights.
Without consent, police can only enter and search a premises:
- Following an arrest;
- To arrest someone for a serious offence that is visibly taking place at the time (i.e. drug-taking);
- If further delay may enable a suspect to dispose of evidence;
- To execute a warrant for arrest;
- To recapture a suspect;
- To prevent a breach of the peace or if the premises is in the immediate vicinity of a seriously arrestable offence.
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