15Entry by police officers

15 Entry by police officers

(1)  A police officer of the rank of sergeant or above may enter premises without warrant if he or she believes on reasonable grounds that –

(a) an offence against section 4 , 7 , 8(2) or 9 has been, is being or is likely to be committed on the premises; and

(b) it is necessary to enter on the premises for the purpose of preventing the commission or repetition of that offence, investigating that offence or apprehending an offender.

(2)  For the purposes of subsection (1)(b) , investigating an offence includes –

(a) searching premises; and

(b) photographing premises; and

(c) visually recording premises; and

(d) seizing evidence.

(3)  A police officer of the rank of sergeant or above may use reasonable force if necessary to enter on premises under subsection (1) and may obtain any assistance that is reasonable and necessary in the circumstances.

(4)  The powers conferred by this section may be exercised by a police officer below the rank of sergeant if it is necessary to do so in order to prevent the imminent commission of an offence against section 4 , 7 , 8(2) or 9 .

(5)  As soon as practicable after a police officer below the rank of sergeant exercises a power conferred by this section, he or she must notify a police officer of the rank of sergeant or above of the exercise of that power.