Search and Surveillance Flashcards
Reasonable grounds to believe (RGTB) means:
Having a sound basis for believing that a situation or circumstance actually exists.
Reasonable grounds to suspect (RGTS) means:
Having a sound basis for suspect that a situation or circumstance is likely to exist.
Under the S&S Act a reasonable search is a search that complies with s21 of the NZ Bill of Rights Act and considers factors such as:
- the nature of the search
- how intrusive the search is
- where and when the search takes place.
Why use a search warrant?
- ensures judicial oversight
- provides greater protection for Police and the public
- requires recording and reporting of results.
Before conducting a search by consent, you must determine that the search is for one of the following reasons (4):
- to prevent the commission of an offence
- to investigate whether an offence has been committed
- to protect life or property
- to prevent injury or harm.
Before conducting a search by consent you must advise the person from whom consent is sought:
- of the reason for the proposed search
- that they may consent or refuse to consent to the search.
A person under 14 is unable to consent to the search of a place, vehicle or other thing unless:
They are found driving with no passenger of or over 14 years of age with authority to consent to the vehicles search.
Do you have to report a consent search?
No.
Evidential material, in relation to an offence or a suspected offence means:
Evidence of the offence, or any other item, tangible or intangible, of relevance to the investigation of the offence.
When deciding if you should use a warrantless power, amongst other things you should consider if there is a possibility evidential material will be:
- concealed
- altered
- damage
- destroyed.
When searching a place, vehicle or other thing, you must comply with the obligations set out under s131. Your obligations cover:
- identification
- intention
- reason
- notice.
Section 131 states that before or on initial entry into or onto the place, vehicle or other thing to be searched, you must give ‘notice’ to the occupier or person in charge. What does this include if executing a search warrant or a warrantless power?
Search warrant - provide a copy of the search warrant.
Warrantless power - state the name of the enactment under which the search is taking place and the reason for the search (unless it is impracticable to do so in the circumstances) AND policy directs that you must provide a copy of the POLSW8.
What are the exceptions to identification and notice requirements - s131(2). There are four exceptions.
- that no one is present
- this would endanger any persons safety
- this would prejudice the successful use of the entry and search power
- this would prejudice ongoing investigations.
What are the actions allowed by s116?
Secure a place, vehicle or other thing to be searched AND exclude any person from there.
What are the actions allowed by s118?
Detain people when searching places and vehicles.
What are the actions allowed by s119?
Search people found when searching places and vehicles if you have RGTB that evidential material that is the object of the search is on that person.
What are the actions allowed by s120, powers of search when suspect is pursued?
Whilst in fresh pursuit, and with RGTB that relevant evidential material is still on the person, you have the power to enter any place to apprehend the person and search the person or vehicle.
What does AWOCA stand for?
- ask
- why
- options
- confirm
- action.
What are your obligations when searching a person (s125)?
- name
- act
- reason.
Police policy directs that you must report your use of warrantless powers within what time frame?
By the end of the shift.
Before commencing to make an application for a search warrant, you must be sure that there are…..
- RGTS that an offence punishable by imprisonment has been, will be, is being or is about to be committed, and
- RGTB that the search will find evidential material in respect of the offence in the place, vehicle or other thing or facility.