77Announcement before entry

77 Announcement before entry

(1) On executing a search warrant, the inspector executing the warrant—

(a) must announce that the inspector is authorised by the warrant to enter the premises; and

(b) must give any person at the premises an opportunity to allow entry to the premises.

(2) An inspector need not comply with subsection (1) if the inspector believes on reasonable grounds that immediate entry to the premises is required to ensure—

(a) the safety of any person; or

(b) that the effective execution of the search warrant is not frustrated.

(3) If the occupier is present at premises where a search warrant is being executed, the inspector must—

(a) produce the inspector's identity card to the occupier; and

(b) give to the occupier a copy of the warrant.

(4) If the occupier is not present at premises where a search warrant is being executed, the inspector must—

(a) produce the inspector's identity card to a person (if any) at the premises; and

(b) give to the person a copy of the warrant.