Warrants: How they work

IF police in England want to search a suspect’s home, they have to apply to the local magistrates’ court for a warrant.

The court will only grant it if satisfied there are reasonable grounds to suspect an offence has been committed – and that material of substantial value to an investigation is likely to be recovered. Once a warrant has been granted, police have three months to carry out the search – or one month if issued under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

When a police officer attends a search, they must provide a copy of the search warrant. If the homeowner is present, they must ask permission to search the property – unless the search would be hindered by doing so.