51Securing electronic equipment to obtain expert assistance

#### 51 Securing electronic equipment to obtain expert assistance (1) This section applies if an authorised person enters premises under an investigation warrant to search for evidential material. Securing equipment (2) The investigation powers include the power to secure any electronic equipment that is on the premises if the authorised person suspects on reasonable grounds that: (a) there is evidential material of the kind specified in the warrant on the premises; and (b) the evidential material may be accessible by operating the electronic equipment; and (c) expert assistance is required to operate the equipment; and (d) the evidential material may be destroyed, altered or otherwise interfered with, if the authorised person does not take action under this subsection. The equipment may be secured by locking it up, placing a guard or any other means. (3) The authorised person must give notice to the occupier of the premises, or another person who apparently represents the occupier, of: (a) the authorised person’s intention to secure the equipment; and (b) the fact that the equipment may be secured for up to 24 hours. Period equipment may be secured (4) The equipment may be secured until the earlier of the following happens: (a) the 24‑hour period ends; (b) the equipment has been operated by the expert. > Note: For compensation for damage to electronic equipment, see section 61. Extensions (5) The authorised person may apply to an issuing officer for an extension of the 24‑hour period, if the authorised person believes on reasonable grounds that the equipment needs to be secured for longer than that period. (6) Before making the application, the authorised person must give notice to the occupier of the premises, or another person who apparently represents the occupier, of the authorised person’s intention to apply for an extension. The occupier or other person is entitled to be heard in relation to that application. (7) The 24‑hour period may be extended more than once. > Note: For the process by which an issuing officer may extend the period, see section 74.