Entry and Search of Premises After Arrest

PACE 1984, s.18

Warrant: No
Force: Yes
Notice: No

Allows a constable to enter and search premises occupied or controlled by a person who has been arrested for an indictable offence, to search for evidence relating to that offence or a connected or similar indictable offence. This is the primary power used to search a suspect's home after arrest.

Conditions

Person must have been arrested for an indictable offence
Premises must be occupied or controlled by the arrested person
Constable must have reasonable grounds for suspecting that there is evidence on the premises
Evidence sought must relate to the indictable offence or a connected or similar indictable offence
Normally requires authorisation by an inspector or above before the search (s.18(4))

Limitations

Inspector authorisation required before entry in most cases: urgent exception at s.18(5) allows entry before return to station if necessary
Arrested person need not be present but record must be made under s.18(7)
Search must be for evidence only: not general rummaging
Power does not extend to premises of third parties

Last updated 24 September 2026