Entry for purposes of arrest etc
Section 90: Entry for purpose of arrest etc by a service policeman
195.This section sets out the circumstances in which a service policeman can, without a warrant, enter and search service living accommodation or other premises occupied by persons subject to service law or civilians subject to service discipline (or reasonably believed to be such persons) to arrest a person he reasonably believes to be there at the time. The powers of entry and search extend to communal areas of premises in multiple occupation, such as barrack accommodation or blocks of flats.
196.Subsection (4) sets out additional powers for a service policeman to enter the same premises to save life or limb or prevent serious damage to property.
197.Subsection (5) limits the power of search to what is reasonably required for the purpose for which the power of entry is exercised.
Section 91: Entry for purpose of arrest etc by other persons
198.This section enables a CO to authorise a person subject to service law (other than a service policeman) to exercise the powers of entry for the purposes of arrest conferred by section 90 on a service policeman.
199.Subsection (3) provides that the CO must only give such authority if he has reasonable grounds for believing that waiting to get the assistance of a service or civilian policeman might result in the person to be arrested evading capture, concealing or destroying evidence or being a danger to himself or others, or result in discipline or morale being undermined.
200.This section also enables a CO to authorise a person subject to service law (other than a service policeman) to exercise the powers of entry mentioned at paragraph 196 above, but only in relation to certain premises and only if it is not practicable to get the assistance of a service policeman in time to prevent the harm occurring.
201.The functions of the CO under this section may be delegated by him in accordance with Regulations made by the Defence Council. This may, for example, allow a more junior officer to exercise the powers in an emergency in the absence of the CO.
