Office of Public Sector Information
PART VII continued
25C (1) This paragraph applies if a person—
(a) has been arrested under this Schedule; and
(b) is in custody at a police station.
(2) An immigration officer may, at any time, search the arrested person in order to ascertain whether he has with him—
(a) anything which he might use to—
(i) cause physical injury to himself or others;
(ii) damage property;
(iii) interfere with evidence; or
(iv) assist his escape; or
(b) any document which might—
(i) establish his identity, nationality or citizenship; or
(ii) indicate the place from which he has travelled to the United Kingdom or to which he is proposing to go.
(3) The power may be exercised only to the extent that the officer considers it to be necessary for the purpose of discovering anything of a kind mentioned in sub-paragraph (2).
(4) An officer searching a person under this paragraph may seize and retain anything he finds, if he has reasonable grounds for believing that—
(a) that person might use it for one or more of the purposes mentioned in sub-paragraph (2)(a); or
(b) it might be a document falling within sub-paragraph (2)(b).
(5) But the officer may not retain anything seized under sub-paragraph (2)(a)—
(a) for longer than is necessary in view of the purpose for which the search was carried out; or
(b) when the person from whom it was seized is no longer in custody or is in the custody of a court but has been released on bail.
(6) The person from whom something is seized must be told the reason for the seizure unless he is—
(a) violent or appears likely to become violent; or
(b) incapable of understanding what is said to him.
(7) An intimate search may not be conducted under this paragraph.
(8) The person carrying out a search under this paragraph must be of the same sex as the person searched.
(9) “Intimate search” has the same meaning as in section 28H(11).”
(1) In the 1971 Act, after section 28H, insert—
(1) If a person showing himself—
(a) to be the occupier of the premises on which seized material was seized, or
(b) to have had custody or control of the material immediately before it was seized,
asks the immigration officer who seized the material for a record of what he seized, the officer must provide the record to that person within a reasonable time.
(2) If a relevant person asks an immigration officer for permission to be granted access to seized material, the officer must arrange for him to have access to the material under the supervision—
(a) in the case of seized material within subsection (8)(a), of an immigration officer;
(b) in the case of seized material within subsection (8)(b), of a constable.
(3) An immigration officer may photograph or copy, or have photographed or copied, seized material.
(4) If a relevant person asks an immigration officer for a photograph or copy of seized material, the officer must arrange for—
(a) that person to have access to the material for the purpose of photographing or copying it under the supervision—
(i) in the case of seized material within subsection (8)(a), of an immigration officer;
(ii) in the case of seized material within subsection (8)(b), of a constable; or
(b) the material to be photographed or copied.
(5) A photograph or copy made under subsection (4)(b) must be supplied within a reasonable time.
(6) There is no duty under this section to arrange for access to, or the supply of a photograph or copy of, any material if there are reasonable grounds for believing that to do so would prejudice—
(a) the exercise of any functions in connection with which the material was seized; or
(b) an investigation which is being conducted under this Act, or any criminal proceedings which may be brought as a result.
(7) “Relevant person” means—
(a) a person who had custody or control of seized material immediately before it was seized, or
(b) someone acting on behalf of such a person.
(8) “Seized material” means anything—
(a) seized and retained by an immigration officer, or
(b) seized by an immigration officer and retained by the police,
under this Part.”
(2) In the 1971 Act, in Schedule 2 after paragraph 25C, insert—
25D (1) If a person showing himself—
(a) to be the occupier of the premises on which seized material was seized, or
(b) to have had custody or control of the material immediately before it was seized,
asks the immigration officer who seized the material for a record of what he seized, the officer must provide the record to that person within a reasonable time.
(2) If a relevant person asks an immigration officer for permission to be granted access to seized material, the officer must arrange for that person to have access to the material under the supervision of an immigration officer.
(3) An immigration officer may photograph or copy, or have photographed or copied, seized material.
(4) If a relevant person asks an immigration officer for a photograph or copy of seized material, the officer must arrange for—
(a) that person to have access to the material under the supervision of an immigration officer for the purpose of photographing or copying it; or
(b) the material to be photographed or copied.
(5) A photograph or copy made under sub-paragraph (4)(b) must be supplied within a reasonable time.
(6) There is no duty under this paragraph to arrange for access to, or the supply of a photograph or copy of, any material if there are reasonable grounds for believing that to do so would prejudice—
(a) the exercise of any functions in connection with which the material was seized; or
(b) an investigation which is being conducted under this Act, or any criminal proceedings which may be brought as a result.
(7) “Relevant person” means—
(a) a person who had custody or control of seized material immediately before it was seized, or
(b) someone acting on behalf of such a person.
(8) “Seized material” means anything which has been seized and retained under this Schedule.”
In the 1971 Act, after section 28I, insert—
(1) The entry or search of premises under a warrant is unlawful unless it complies with this section and section 28K.
(2) If an immigration officer applies for a warrant, he must—
(a) state the ground on which he makes the application and the provision of this Act under which the warrant would be issued;
(b) specify the premises which it is desired to enter and search; and
(c) identify, so far as is practicable, the persons or articles to be sought.
(3) In Northern Ireland, an application for a warrant is to be supported by a complaint in writing and substantiated on oath.
(4) Otherwise, an application for a warrant is to be made ex parte and supported by an information in writing or, in Scotland, evidence on oath.
(5) The officer must answer on oath any question that the justice of the peace or sheriff hearing the application asks him.
(6) A warrant shall authorise an entry on one occasion only.
(7) A warrant must specify—
(a) the name of the person applying for it;
(b) the date on which it is issued;
(c) the premises to be searched; and
(d) the provision of this Act under which it is issued.
(8) A warrant must identify, so far as is practicable, the persons or articles to be sought.
(9) Two copies of a warrant must be made.
(10) The copies must be clearly certified as copies.
(11) “Warrant” means a warrant to enter and search premises issued to an immigration officer under this Part or under paragraph 17(2) of Schedule 2.”
In the 1971 Act, after section 28J, insert—
(1) A warrant may be executed by any immigration officer.
(2) A warrant may authorise persons to accompany the officer executing it.
(3) Entry and search under a warrant must be—
(a) within one month from the date of its issue; and
(b) at a reasonable hour, unless it appears to the officer executing it that the purpose of a search might be frustrated.
(4) If the occupier of premises which are to be entered and searched is present at the time when an immigration officer seeks to execute a warrant, the officer must—
(a) identify himself to the occupier and produce identification showing that he is an immigration officer;
(b) show the occupier the warrant; and
(c) supply him with a copy of it.
(5) If—
(a) the occupier is not present, but
(b) some other person who appears to the officer to be in charge of the premises is present,
subsection (4) has effect as if each reference to the occupier were a reference to that other person.
(6) If there is no person present who appears to the officer to be in charge of the premises, the officer must leave a copy of the warrant in a prominent place on the premises.
(7) A search under a warrant may only be a search to the extent required for the purpose for which the warrant was issued.
(8) An officer executing a warrant must make an endorsement on it stating—
(a) whether the persons or articles sought were found; and
(b) whether any articles, other than articles which were sought, were seized.
(9) A warrant which has been executed, or has not been executed within the time authorised for its execution, must be returned—
(a) if issued by a justice of the peace in England and Wales, to the justices' chief executive appointed by the magistrates' court committee whose area includes the petty sessions area for which the justice acts;
(b) if issued by a justice of the peace in Northern Ireland, to the clerk of petty sessions for the petty sessions district in which the premises are situated;
(c) if issued by a justice of the peace in Scotland, to the clerk of the district court for the commission area for which the justice of the peace was appointed;
(d) if issued by the sheriff, to the sheriff clerk.
(10) A warrant returned under subsection (9)(a) must be retained for 12 months by the justices' chief executive.
(11) A warrant issued under subsection (9)(b) or (c) must be retained for 12 months by the clerk.
(12) A warrant returned under subsection (9)(d) must be retained for 12 months by the sheriff clerk.
(13) If during that 12 month period the occupier of the premises to which it relates asks to inspect it, he must be allowed to do so.
(14) “Warrant” means a warrant to enter and search premises issued to an immigration officer under this Part or under paragraph 17(2) of Schedule 2.”
(1) In the 1971 Act, after section 28K, insert—
In this Part, “premises” and “items subject to legal privilege” have the same meaning—
(a) in relation to England and Wales, as in the [1984 c. 60.] Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984;
(b) in relation to Northern Ireland, as in the [S.I. 1989/1341 (N.I. 12).] Police and Criminal Evidence (Northern Ireland) Order 1989; and
(c) in relation to Scotland, as in section 33 of the [1995 c. 39.] Criminal Law (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 1995.”
(2) In the 1971 Act, in Schedule 2, after paragraph 25D insert—
“25E. Section 28L applies for the purposes of this Schedule as it applies for the purposes of Part III.”
(1) In paragraph 16 of Schedule 2 to the 1971 Act, for sub-paragraph (2) substitute—
“(2) If there are reasonable grounds for suspecting that a person is someone in respect of whom directions may be given under any of paragraphs 8 to 10 or 12 to 14, that person may be detained under the authority of an immigration officer pending—
(a) a decision whether or not to give such directions;
(b) his removal in pursuance of such directions.”
(2) In paragraph 17(2) of that Schedule (power to grant constable a warrant to search and arrest), for the words from “authorising any constable” to “if need be” substitute “authorising any immigration officer or constable to enter, if need be”.
(1) Fingerprints may be taken by an authorised person from a person to whom this section applies.
(2) Fingerprints may be taken under this section only during the relevant period.
(3) Fingerprints may not be taken under this section from a person under the age of sixteen (“the child”) except in the presence of a person of full age who is—
(a) the child’s parent or guardian; or
(b) a person who for the time being takes responsibility for the child.
(4) The person mentioned in subsection (3)(b) may not be—
(a) an officer of the Secretary of State who is not an authorised person;
(b) an authorised person.
(5) “Authorised person” means—
(a) a constable;
(b) an immigration officer;
(c) a prison officer;
(d) an officer of the Secretary of State authorised for the purpose; or
(e) a person who is employed by a contractor in connection with the discharge of the contractor’s duties under a detention centre contract.
(6) In subsection (5)(e) “contractor” and “detention centre contract” have the same meaning as in Part VIII.
(7) This section applies to—
(a) any person (“A”) who, on being required to do so by an immigration officer on his arrival in the United Kingdom, fails to produce a valid passport with photograph or some other document satisfactorily establishing his identity and nationality or citizenship;
(b) any person (“B”) who has been refused leave to enter the United Kingdom but has been temporarily admitted under paragraph 21 of Schedule 2 to the 1971 Act if an immigration officer reasonably suspects that B might break any condition imposed on him relating to residence or as to reporting to the police or an immigration officer;
(c) any person (“C”) in respect of whom—
(i) an immigration officer has given directions under paragraph 9(1) of Schedule 2 to the 1971 Act or under section 10;
(ii) the Secretary of State has given directions under paragraph 10(1) of Schedule 2 to the 1971 Act (but only in a case where it appears to the Secretary of State that the person is a person in respect of whom directions under paragraph 9 of that Schedule might be given); or
(iii) the Secretary of State has given directions under paragraph 1(1) of Schedule 3 to that Act;
(d) any person (“D”) who has been arrested under paragraph 17 of Schedule 2 to the 1971 Act;
(e) any person (“E”) who has made a claim for asylum;
(f) any person (“F”) who is a dependant of any of those persons.
(8) “The relevant period” begins—
(a) for A, on his failure to produce the passport or other document;
(b) for B, on the decision to admit him temporarily;
(c) for C, on the direction being given;
(d) for D, on his arrest;
(e) for E, on the making of his claim for asylum; and
(f) for F, at the same time as for the person whose dependant he is.
(9) “The relevant period” ends on the earliest of the following—
(a) the grant of leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom;
(b) for A, B, C or D, his removal or deportation from the United Kingdom;
(c) for C, if a deportation order has been made against him, its revocation or otherwise ceasing to have effect;
(d) for D, his release if he is no longer liable to be detained under paragraph 16 of Schedule 2 to the 1971 Act;
(e) for E, the final determination or abandonment of his claim for asylum; and
(f) for F, at the same time as for the person whose dependant he is.
(10) No fingerprints may be taken from A if the immigration officer considers that A has a reasonable excuse for the failure concerned.
(11) No fingerprints may be taken from B unless the decision to take them has been confirmed by a chief immigration officer.
(12) An authorised person may not take fingerprints from a person under the age of sixteen unless his decision to take them has been confirmed—
(a) if he is a constable, by a person designated for the purpose by the chief constable of his police force;
(b) if he is a person mentioned in subsection (5)(b) or (e), by a chief immigration officer;
(c) if he is a prison officer, by a person designated for the purpose by the governor of the prison;
(d) if he is an officer of the Secretary of State, by a person designated for the purpose by the Secretary of State.
(13) Neither subsection (3) nor subsection (12) prevents an authorised person from taking fingerprints if he reasonably believes that the person from whom they are to be taken is aged sixteen or over.
(14) For the purposes of subsection (7)(f), a person is a dependant of another person if—
(a) he is that person’s spouse or child under the age of eighteen; and
(b) he does not have a right of abode in the United Kingdom or indefinite leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom.
(15) “Claim for asylum” has the same meaning as in Part VI.
(1) The Secretary of State may, by notice in writing, require a person to whom section 141 applies to attend at a specified place for fingerprinting.
(2) The notice—
(a) must give the person concerned a period of at least seven days within which to attend, beginning not earlier than seven days after the date of the notice; and
(b) may require him to attend at a specified time of day or during specified hours.
(3) A constable or immigration officer may arrest without warrant a person who has failed to comply with a requirement imposed on him under this section (unless the requirement has ceased to have effect).
(4) Before a person arrested under subsection (3) is released—
(a) he may be removed to a place where his fingerprints may conveniently be taken; and
(b) his fingerprints may be taken (whether or not he is so removed).
(5) A requirement imposed under subsection (1) ceases to have effect at the end of the relevant period (as defined by section 141).
(1) If they have not already been destroyed, fingerprints must be destroyed before the end of the specified period beginning with the day on which they were taken.
(2) If a person from whom fingerprints were taken proves that he is—
(a) a British citizen, or
(b) a Commonwealth citizen who has a right of abode in the United Kingdom as a result of section 2(1)(b) of the 1971 Act,
the fingerprints must be destroyed as soon as reasonably practicable.
(3) If a person from whom fingerprints were taken—
(a) in the case of E, is given indefinite leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom, or
(b) in any other case, is given leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom,
the fingerprints must be destroyed as soon as reasonably practicable.
(4) Fingerprints taken from B must be destroyed as soon as reasonably practicable after his removal from the United Kingdom.
(5) But subsection (4) does not apply if it appears to the Secretary of State that B has failed to comply with a restriction imposed on him under paragraph 21(2) of Schedule 2 to the 1971 Act.
(6) Fingerprints taken from C must, if the directions cease to have effect, be destroyed as soon as reasonably practicable.
(7) If a deportation order made against C is revoked, any fingerprints taken from him must be destroyed as soon as reasonably practicable.
(8) If D ceases to be liable to be detained under paragraph 16 of Schedule 2 to the 1971 Act, fingerprints taken from him must be destroyed as soon as reasonably practicable.
(9) Fingerprints taken from F must be destroyed when fingerprints taken from the person whose dependant he is have to be destroyed.
(10) The obligation to destroy fingerprints under this section applies also to copies of fingerprints.
(11) The Secretary of State must take all reasonably practicable steps to secure—
(a) that data which are held in electronic form and which relate to fingerprints which have to be destroyed as a result of this section are destroyed or erased; or
(b) that access to such data is blocked.
(12) The person to whom the data relate is entitled, on request, to a certificate issued by the Secretary of State to the effect that he has taken the steps required by subsection (11).
(13) A certificate under subsection (12) must be issued within three months of the date of the request for it.
(14) “Fingerprints” means fingerprints taken under section 141 and references to B, C, D, E and F are to the persons so described in that section.
(15) “Specified period” means—
(a) such period as the Secretary of State may specify by order;
(b) if no period is so specified, ten years.
The Secretary of State may make regulations containing provisions equivalent to sections 141, 142 and 143 in relation to such other methods of collecting data about external physical characteristics as may be prescribed.
(1) An immigration officer exercising any specified power to—
(a) arrest, question, search or take fingerprints from a person,
(b) enter and search premises, or
(c) seize property found on persons or premises,
must have regard to such provisions of a code as may be specified.
(2) Subsection (1) also applies to an authorised person exercising the power to take fingerprints conferred by section 141.
(3) Any specified provision of a code may have effect for the purposes of this section subject to such modifications as may be specified.
(4) “Specified” means specified in a direction given by the Secretary of State.
(5) “Authorised person” has the same meaning as in section 141.
(6) “Code” means—
(a) in relation to England and Wales, any code of practice for the time being in force under the [1984 c. 60.] Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984;
(b) in relation to Northern Ireland, any code of practice for the time being in force under the [S.I. 1989/1341 (N.I. 12).] Police and Criminal Evidence (Northern Ireland) Order 1989.
(7) This section does not apply to any person exercising powers in Scotland.
(1) An immigration officer exercising any power conferred on him by the 1971 Act or this Act may, if necessary, use reasonable force.
(2) Any person exercising a power conferred by section 141 or 142 or regulations under section 144 may, if necessary, use reasonable force.
Immigration and Asylum Act 1999