Urgent Entry After Arrest Without Inspector Authorisation

PACE 1984, s.18(5)

Warrant: No
Force: Yes
Notice: No

Where a constable has a person in custody following arrest for an indictable offence and the search of premises is necessary before the person is taken to a police station, the constable may carry out the search without first obtaining inspector authorisation. The constable must inform an inspector as soon as practicable after the search.

Conditions

Person must have been arrested for an indictable offence
The constable must consider the search necessary before taking the person to a police station
Inspector must be informed as soon as practicable afterwards

Limitations

This exception to the inspector-authorisation rule is narrow: the need must be urgent
The ordinary s.18 requirements (reasonable grounds for suspicion, evidence of the offence) still apply
A record must still be made under s.18(7)

Last updated 1 April 2026