Powers of Entry Practice Questions

Free NPPF Step 2 Powers of Entry questions with full answers, for Sergeant and Inspector candidates.

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About this topic

Powers of entry questions test when a constable can enter premises without a warrant, for example to arrest, to save life or limb, or to search after arrest.

Know each limb of s.17 PACE, the difference between believing and suspecting, and the limits of searches under s.32.

Key legislation and cases

Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, ss.17 and 32
Common law power to deal with a breach of the peace

Worked examples

Try each question before opening the answer. Every option is explained, because the exam usually turns on why the near-miss answers are wrong.

Worked question 1 of 2Standard

PC Denton arrests Fletcher at his home address for robbery. PC Denton wants to search the premises immediately following the arrest. Which of the following correctly states the power available at the point of arrest?

APC Denton may search the whole premises under s.32 PACE 1984 for evidence relating to the offence for which Fletcher was arrested - no further authority is required
BPC Denton may search the whole premises under s.32 PACE 1984 but only with the written authority of an inspector obtained before the search begins
CPC Denton may search under s.32 PACE 1984 only the premises where Fletcher was arrested and only to the extent reasonably required to find evidence relating to the offence or items that could be used to facilitate escape
DPC Denton has no power to search under s.32 PACE 1984 as that power only applies where the arrest is made away from the suspect's home address - a s.18 search with inspector authority is required at a home address

Show answer and explanation

Answer: C

s.32 PACE 1984 gives a constable the power to enter and search premises in which the person was when arrested for evidence relating to the offence or items that could assist escape. No prior authority from any rank is required. However the power is limited in scope - the search may only extend to the extent reasonably required to find what is sought. It does not authorise a wholesale search of every room. s.18 is the separate power to search other premises occupied by the arrested person and requires inspector authority.

s.32 PACE 1984

s.32(1): a constable may enter and search any premises in which the arrested person was when arrested or immediately before arrest for evidence relating to the offence for which the arrest was made.

A: s.32 does not authorise a search of the whole premises. The search is limited to the extent reasonably required to find what is sought.
B: s.32 does not require inspector authority or any prior written authorisation. It is exercisable by a constable on their own authority at the point of arrest. Inspector authority is a requirement of the separate s.18 power.
D: s.32 applies to premises where the arrest was made regardless of whether it is the suspect's home address. There is no restriction limiting s.32 to arrests made away from home. Both s.32 and s.18 may be relevant at a home address.

Worked question 2 of 2Standard

PC Drummond is called to a residential address after a neighbour reports hearing shouting and crying from inside. PC Drummond knocks and receives no answer. He considers whether he can enter the property under s.17(1)(e) of PACE 1984 to save life or limb. The neighbour says the shouting stopped about twenty minutes ago and has not resumed. Which of the following is correct?

APC Drummond may enter under s.17(1)(e) because a report of shouting and crying is sufficient to establish the power regardless of how much time has passed.
BPC Drummond may enter under s.17(1)(e) because the power applies whenever there is any possibility that a person inside may be at risk, however remote.
CPC Drummond may enter under s.17(1)(e) only if he has reasonable grounds to believe that a person inside is in immediate need of assistance - the cessation of noise twenty minutes ago and the absence of current signs of distress undermines the basis for the power on these facts.
DPC Drummond has no power to enter under s.17(1)(e) in any circumstances without first obtaining a warrant - entry to save life always requires prior judicial authority.

Show answer and explanation

Answer: C

Under s.17(1)(e) PACE 1984, a constable may enter premises to save life or limb or prevent serious damage to property. The power requires reasonable grounds to believe that entry is immediately necessary - not a mere possibility or a historic report. Where shouting has ceased for twenty minutes and there are no current signs of distress, the immediate basis for the power is significantly weakened on these facts. The power is warrantless but requires the belief to be present at the time of entry.

s.17(1)(e) PACE 1984

s.17(1): "Subject to the following provisions of this section, and without prejudice to any other enactment, a constable may enter and search any premises for the purpose of... (e) saving life or limb or preventing serious damage to property."

A: The power requires reasonable grounds to believe immediate assistance is needed - not merely that a report was made. Passage of time and absence of current distress undermines that belief.
B: A remote possibility is not sufficient. The test is reasonable grounds to believe a person is in immediate need - not any conceivable risk.
D: s.17(1)(e) is an immediate warrantless power - no warrant is required. It is specifically designed for urgent situations.

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