General Power of Seizure on Lawful Premises

PACE 1984, s.19

Warrant: No
Force: Yes
Notice: No

Where a constable is lawfully on any premises, section 19 provides a general power to seize anything on the premises if the officer has reasonable grounds for believing it is evidence of an offence, and that it is necessary to seize it to prevent it being concealed, lost, altered, or destroyed. This power applies regardless of which statutory power granted entry to the premises.

Conditions

The constable must be lawfully on the premises (by warrant, consent, or any lawful power)
The officer must have reasonable grounds for believing the item is evidence of an offence
Seizure must be necessary to prevent the item being concealed, lost, altered, or destroyed
Items subject to legal privilege may not be seized under this section

Limitations

Does not authorise entry: the officer must already be lawfully on the premises under another power
Legally privileged items are excluded and may not be seized
A record must be provided to the occupier of what was seized and the grounds for seizure
Seized items must be retained only for as long as necessary for the investigation or proceedings

Last updated 24 September 2026