Policy

Question 1

Are police employees responsible to rectify damage caused to any property in the execution of a search warrant or statutory power?

Answer 1

Police employees must NOT incur expenditure or any indication or undertaking on behalf of police to rectify damaged caused to any property in the execution of a search warrant or statutory power, as this pre-empts any decision as to the payment of compensation.

Question 2

If claims arise or is likely to arise, who reports it and to who?

Answer 2

– If a claim arises or is likely to arise it should be directed by the OC of the incident to the District Commander or National Manager for consideration along with a report containing required information.

Question 3

When reporting an incident where a claim arises or is likely to arise to a district commander or national manager, what information is required in this report?

Answer 3

• The circumstances in which the search warrant or statutory power was executed
• The grounds for the execution
• The damage caused and the associated circumstances
• The outcome of the search warrant or statutory power being executed
• Details regarding the owner of the property and the occupier or user of the property, at the relevant time
• The nature and basis of the claim, as stated by the owner of the property
• Any steps taken by police or the owner to prevent further loss or damage.