Entry to Premises to Arrest or Recapture

PACE 1984, s.17

Warrant: No
Force: Yes
Notice: No

Allows a constable to enter and search any premises for the purpose of arresting a person for an indictable offence, or recapturing a person unlawfully at large, or saving life or limb. Entry must be for a specific statutory purpose listed in the section.

Conditions

Constable must have reasonable grounds to believe the person is on the premises
Entry must be for one of the purposes specified in s.17(1)(a)-(e)
Power includes premises where the person is not actually found if reasonable grounds exist
For indictable offences only (except s.17(1)(e) which covers any offence)

Limitations

Cannot be used as a general power of entry
Must have reasonable grounds to believe the person is on the specific premises
Does not confer a power of search once person is arrested: s.18 applies separately
Common law right to break in is abolished by s.17(5) for all purposes except those in s.17(1)

Last updated 1 April 2026