Section 19 - Powers of entry
44.This section confers powers on an authorised officer to enter any premises in Wales, apart from premises used wholly or mainly as a dwelling, at any reasonable time if they consider it necessary to investigate an offence in this Chapter. The section applies to a vehicle as if it were premises.
45.Authorised officers must not use force to enter premises or vehicles when exercising their power under this section. Authorised officers must present evidence of their authority before entering any premises or vehicles if they are asked to do so. Section 67(9) of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 provides that, while acting in the course of their enforcement functions, authorised officers of the enforcement authority must have regard to the relevant code of practice made under that Act. Therefore, authorised officers must have regard to the PACE Code of Practice B in the exercise of their enforcement functions.
