15(1)A police officer of at least the rank of superintendent may by a written order signed by him give to any constable the authority which may be given by a search warrant under paragraph 1 or 11 [F1(subject to sub-paragraph (1A))].E+W+N.I.
[F2(1A)An order under this paragraph giving the authority which may be given by a search warrant under paragraph 11 does not authorise a constable to retain confidential journalistic material.
(1B)“Confidential journalistic material” means material which is excluded material by virtue of section 11(1)(c) of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984.]
(2)An order shall not be made under this paragraph unless the officer has reasonable grounds for believing—
(a)that the case is one of great emergency, and
(b)that immediate action is necessary.
(3)Where an order is made under this paragraph particulars of the case shall be notified as soon as is reasonably practicable to the Secretary of State.
(4)A person commits an offence if he wilfully obstructs a search under this paragraph.
(5)A person guilty of an offence under sub-paragraph (4) shall be liable on summary conviction to—
(a)imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months,
(b)a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale, or
(c)both.
Textual Amendments
F1Words in Sch. 5 para. 15(1) inserted (20.12.2023) by National Security Act 2023 (c. 32), s. 100(1), Sch. 17 para. 2(3)(a) (with s. 97); S.I. 2023/1272, reg. 2(d)
F2Sch. 5 para. 15(1A)(1B) inserted (20.12.2023) by National Security Act 2023 (c. 32), s. 100(1), Sch. 17 para. 2(3)(b) (with s. 97); S.I. 2023/1272, reg. 2(d)
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C1Sch. 5 para. 15: power(s) of seizure extended (1.4.2003) by 2001 c. 16, ss. 50, 52-54, 68, Sch. 1 Pt. 1 para. 71; S.I. 2003/708, art. 2
C2Sch. 5 para. 15: power(s) of seizure extended (1.4.2003) by 2001 c. 16, ss. 51-54, 68. Sch. 1 Pt. 1 para. 83; S.I. 2003/708, art. 2
C3Sch. 5 para. 15 modified (1.4.2003) by 2001 c. 16, ss. 55, 68, Sch. 1 Pt. 3 para. 109(2) (with s. 57(3)); S.I. 2003/708, art. 2