(1)Subject to subsection (3), a constable or an authorised person may—
(a)do anything necessary to secure closed premises against entry by any person;
(b)carry out essential maintenance or repairs to closed premises; and
(c)enter the premises for the purposes of paragraph (a) or (b).
(2)A constable or an authorised person acting under subsection (1) may use reasonable force.
(3)An authorised person seeking to enter closed premises under paragraph (c) of subsection (1) for the purpose of paragraph (a) of that subsection shall, if requested to do so by or on behalf of the owner, occupier or other person in charge of the premises, produce evidence of identity and authorisation.
(4)In this section, “authorised person” means a person authorised in writing by the chief constable [F1of the Police Service of Scotland].
Textual Amendments
F1Words in s. 31(4) substituted (1.4.2013) by Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 (asp 8), s. 129(2), sch. 7 para. 24(6); S.S.I. 2013/51, art. 2 (with transitional provisions and savings in S.S.I. 2013/121)