The Armed Forces (Powers of Stop and Search, Search, Seizure and Retention) Order 2009

Search warrants – safeguards

8.—(1) This article, and articles 9 and 10, have effect in relation to the issue to service policemen under section 83 of the Act or under Schedule 1 of warrants to enter and search premises.

(2) An entry on or search of premises under a warrant is unlawful unless it complies with this article and articles 9 and 10.

(3) Where a service policeman applies for any such warrant, it shall be his duty—

(a) to state—

(i) the ground on which he makes the application;

(ii) the enactment under which the warrant would be issued; and

(iii) if the application is for a warrant authorising entry and search on more than one occasion, the ground on which he applies for such a warrant, and whether he seeks a warrant authorising an unlimited number of entries, or (if not) the maximum number of entries desired;

(b) to specify the premises which it is desired to enter and search; and

(c) to identify, so far as is practicable, the articles to be sought.

(4) The duty under paragraph (3)(b) is a duty to specify each set of premises which it is desired to enter and search.

(5) An application for such a warrant shall be made ex parte and supported by a statement in writing, which shall—

(a) specify the name, rank or rate and unit of the person who applies for it; and

(b) set out the information referred to in paragraph (3)(a) to (c).

(6) Subject to article 11, the service policeman shall answer on oath any question that the judge advocate hearing the application asks him.

(7) A warrant shall authorise an entry on one occasion only unless it specifies that it authorises multiple entries.

(8) If a warrant specifies that it authorises multiple entries, it must also specify whether the number of entries authorised is unlimited, or limited to a specified maximum.

(9) A warrant—

(a) shall specify—

(i) the name, rank or rate and unit of the person who applies for it;

(ii) the date on which it is issued;

(iii) the enactment under which it is issued; and

(iv) each set of premises to be searched; and

(b) shall identify, so far as is practicable, the articles to be sought.

(10) Two copies shall be made of a warrant which does not authorise multiple entries; and as many copies as are reasonably required may be made of any other kind of warrant.

(11) The copies shall be clearly certified as copies by the judge advocate who issues the warrant.