Section 17 PACE

PACE powers

Section 17 of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 permits a constable to enter and search premises without a warrant for the purpose of arresting a person for an indictable offence, arresting a person for certain other specified offences, recapturing an escaped prisoner, saving life or limb, or preventing serious damage to property.

In practice

The power to enter to save life or limb under section 17(1)(e) is frequently used at welfare incidents. Entry must only be to the extent reasonably required for the purpose. Evidence obtained incidentally during a lawful entry may still be admissible, but entry cannot be used as a pretext to search for evidence.

Related terms

Section 18 PACE
PACE
Arrest

Last updated 12 October 2026