Evidence and Procedure

Warrants Practice Questions

Free NPPF Step 2 Warrants questions with full answers, for Sergeant and Inspector candidates.

20+ questions in the full bankType A format

About this topic

Warrant questions test how search warrants are applied for and executed: the safeguards in ss.15 and 16 PACE, specific and all premises warrants, and the requirements of Code B.

Expect questions on how long a warrant lasts, executing a warrant at a reasonable hour, and what must be done on entry.

Key legislation and cases

Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, ss.8, 15 and 16
PACE Code B

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

DC Morrison has obtained a search warrant under s.8 PACE 1984 to search an address for stolen property. She wants to execute the warrant at 06:00, believing the suspects are less likely to have disposed of evidence at that time. She considers the time restrictions on executing search warrants under Code B. Which of the following correctly states the position?

ASearch warrants may be executed at any time of day or night - there are no time restrictions on when a warrant may be executed.
BSearch warrants may only be executed between 08:00 and 20:00 unless the warrant specifically authorises execution at other times.
CSearch warrants may be executed between 06:00 and 22:00 - execution outside those hours requires the authority of a superintendent.
DSearch warrants may only be executed at a reasonable hour unless it appears to the constable that the purpose of the search may be frustrated by waiting - the default is daytime execution but urgent circumstances can justify entry at 06:00.

Show answer and explanation

Answer: D

Under Code B paragraph 6.2, a search warrant should be executed at a reasonable hour unless it appears to the officer that the purposes of the search may be frustrated on an entry at a reasonable hour. There is no fixed time window. "Reasonable hour" generally means daytime but where evidence might be destroyed, entry at 06:00 may be justified. No superintendent authority is required - the officer executing the warrant makes the assessment.

Code B para 6.2 PACE 1984

Code B para 6.2: "Searches must be made at a reasonable hour unless this might frustrate the purpose of the search."

A: There are time restrictions - Code B requires execution at a reasonable hour as the default. The absence of a fixed window does not mean warrants can be executed at any time.
B: There is no fixed 08:00-20:00 window in Code B. The test is reasonable hour, with a discretion to depart where the purpose of the search may be frustrated.
C: There is no 06:00-22:00 window and no superintendent authority requirement. The test is reasonable hour and the officer makes the assessment.

Worked question 2 of 2Standard

DC Ferreira is investigating an organised fraud and believes the suspect, Rashid, operates from multiple addresses. She wants to apply for a search warrant that covers all premises occupied or controlled by Rashid. DC Ferreira considers whether an all premises warrant is available under PACE 1984. Which of the following correctly states the position?

AA single warrant may authorise search of all premises occupied or controlled by the suspect without any conditions - this is the standard form of warrant under s.8 PACE 1984.
BA single warrant may authorise search of all premises occupied or controlled by the suspect under s.8(1A) PACE 1984 - but only if the court is satisfied it is not reasonably practicable to specify all the premises in the application.
CA single warrant may authorise search of all premises occupied or controlled by the suspect under s.8(1A) PACE 1984 - but the warrant may only be executed once across all the premises unless the warrant specifically authorises multiple entries.
DA single warrant may authorise search of all premises occupied or controlled by the suspect under s.8(1A) PACE 1984 - but only where the suspect is under arrest at the time the application is made.

Show answer and explanation

Answer: B

Under s.8(1A) PACE 1984 (inserted by SOCPA 2005), a magistrate may issue a warrant authorising entry and search of any premises occupied or controlled by the suspect where it is not reasonably practicable to specify all the premises in the application. Under s.8(1B), the warrant may authorise multiple entries to the same premises. Arrest of the suspect is not required.

s.8(1A), s.8(1B) PACE 1984 (inserted by SOCPA 2005)

s.8(1A): "If on an application made by a constable a justice of the peace is satisfied that there are reasonable grounds for believing... it is not reasonably practicable to specify in the application all the premises which he desires to enter and search, the justice may issue a warrant authorising entry to and search of any premises occupied or controlled by the named person."

A: An all premises warrant is not the standard form under s.8. The standard warrant specifies premises. The s.8(1A) warrant is an additional power available only where it is not reasonably practicable to specify all premises.
C: An all premises warrant may be executed more than once if the warrant itself authorises multiple entries under s.8(1B). Single execution is not the default rule.
D: Arrest of the suspect is not required. The test is whether it is not reasonably practicable to specify all premises.

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