There are number of investigative authorities who have varying powers under which they can carry out raids, conduct searches and seizure of property and require individuals to attend interviews or to provide information or documentation as part of their investigation. These authorities often have memorandums of understanding in place to ensure they can work together when investigating criminal offences (see Practice Note: Memorandum of understanding—criminal investigations and prosecutions).
For a quick guide to the relevant authorities and the scope of their powers, see Practice Note: Dawn raid—table of relevant authorities and the scope of their powers.
Below are some useful links to Practice Notes which provide information and guidance on how to deal with the individual authorities, in particular what to do when they come knocking at dawn, and setting out their relevant investigative powers.
Dealing with dawn raids by the police—key information
Dealing with the National Crime Agency
Dealing with the SFO collection
Dealing with dawn raids by the Serious Fraud Office—key information
Interviews under the Criminal Justice Act 1987, s 2
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Non-intimate samplesThe police have wide powers to take non-intimate samples from a person under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE 1984). Non-intimate samples are defined as meaning:•a sample of hair other than pubic hair•a sample taken from a nail or from under a nail•a swab from any
Search of premises without a warrantThe powers of the police to enter and search premises are both extensive and various. The police may search premises on the authority of a warrant from a court, or without a warrant under a number of statutory powers. Many of these powers are governed by Part II
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