Section 17 PACE meaning

In practice, this term describes the statutory “power of entry” in England and Wales allowing police to enter and search premises without a search warrant to arrest, execute an arrest warrant, recapture someone unlawfully at large, or to save life or prevent serious property damage. It is defined in section 17 of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE). Key features: - Purpose-limited: the search is only to locate the person or address the emergency, not to look for evidence. Separate powers (for example, PACE s32 or a search warrant) are needed for evidential searches. - Thresholds: officers must have reasonable grounds for believing the person is on the premises and may use reasonable force (PACE s117). - Scope and safeguards: entry must be necessary and proportionate; Code B PACE governs recording and conduct. Typical use includes entry to dwellings to execute an arrest warrant or arrest for an indictable offence. Jurisdictions: PACE applies to England and Wales only. Northern Ireland has analogous provisions under the Police and Criminal Evidence (Northern Ireland) Order 1989. Scotland and Ireland have separate regimes (including common law and, in Ireland, the Criminal Law Act 1997), but the practical concept of limited, purpose-based entry to arrest is broadly similar.