154YSearch warrants by telephone, fax etc.

154Y Search warrants by telephone, fax etc.

Application for warrant

(1) If, in an urgent case, an inspector considers it necessary to do so, the inspector may apply to a magistrate by telephone, fax or other electronic means for a warrant under section 154X in relation to premises.

Voice communication

(2) The magistrate may require communication by voice to the extent that it is practicable in the circumstances.

Information

(3) Before applying for the warrant, the inspector must prepare an information of the kind mentioned in subsection 154X(2) in relation to the premises that sets out the grounds on which the warrant is sought. If it is necessary to do so, the inspector may apply for the warrant before the information is sworn or affirmed.

Issue of warrant

(4) If the magistrate is satisfied:

(a) after having considered the terms of the information; and

(b) after having received such further information (if any) as the magistrate requires concerning the grounds on which the issue of the warrant is being sought;

that there are reasonable grounds for issuing the warrant, the magistrate may complete and sign the same warrant that the magistrate would issue under section 154X if the application had been made under that section.

Notification

(5) If the magistrate completes and signs the warrant, the magistrate must inform the applicant, by telephone, fax or other electronic means, of:

(a) the terms of the warrant; and

(b) the day on which and the time at which the warrant was signed; and

(c) the day (not more than one week after the magistrate completes and signs the warrant) on which the warrant ceases to have effect.

Form of warrant

(6) The applicant must then complete a form of warrant in the same terms as the warrant completed and signed by the magistrate, stating on the form the name of the magistrate and the day on which and the time at which the warrant was signed.

Completed form of warrant to be given to magistrate

(7) The applicant must also, not later than the day after the day of expiry or execution of the warrant, whichever is the earlier, send to the magistrate:

(a) the form of warrant completed by the applicant; and

(b) the information referred to in subsection (3), which must have been duly sworn or affirmed.

Attachment

(8) The magistrate is to attach to the documents provided under subsection (7) the warrant completed by the magistrate.

Authority of warrant

(9) A form of warrant duly completed under subsection (6) is authority for the same powers as are authorised by the warrant signed by the magistrate.