Entry to Secure Crime Scene

PACE 1984, s.19 and common law

Warrant: No
Force: No
Notice: No

Once lawfully on premises (whether by consent, warrant, or under another power), a constable may seize any article on those premises if they have reasonable grounds to believe it is evidence of any offence and it is necessary to seize it to prevent concealment, loss, alteration, or destruction. This section-by-section seizure power is distinct from the power of entry itself.

Conditions

Constable must be lawfully on the premises under some other power or consent
Reasonable grounds to believe the item is evidence of an offence
Seizure must be necessary to prevent concealment, loss, alteration, damage, or destruction

Limitations

Does not provide an independent power of entry: that must come from another source
Cannot seize legally privileged material
Excluded material (personal records, journalistic material) can only be seized under Schedule 1

Last updated 1 April 2026