Entry to Save Life or Limb

PACE 1984, s.17(1)(e)

Warrant: No
Force: Yes
Notice: No

Allows a constable to enter and search any premises for the purpose of saving life or preventing serious injury to any person. This is one of the most commonly used entry powers and applies regardless of whether any offence has been committed.

Conditions

Constable must have reasonable grounds to believe that a person on the premises is in immediate danger
The threat must be to life or limb (serious injury): minor injury does not suffice
No warrant is required and no specific offence need be suspected

Limitations

The power is to enter for the purpose of saving life: once that purpose is satisfied or shown to be absent, the power is spent
Evidence found incidentally may be admissible but officers cannot use this power purely to search for evidence
Must not use more force than is reasonable and necessary

Last updated 1 April 2026