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The Firearms (Northern Ireland) Order 2004
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The Firearms (Northern Ireland) Order 2004, Section 52 is up to date with all changes known to be in force on or before 23 February 2025. There are changes that may be brought into force at a future date. Changes that have been made appear in the content and are referenced with annotations.
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Changes and effects yet to be applied to Article 52:
- art. 6(3A) inserted by 2019 c. 17 s. 62(2)
- art. 6A inserted by 2019 c. 17 s. 62(3)
- art. 11(1A) inserted by 2019 c. 17 s. 62(4)
Changes and effects yet to be applied to the whole Order associated Parts and Chapters:
Whole provisions yet to be inserted into this Order (including any effects on those provisions):
- art. 6(3A) inserted by 2019 c. 17 s. 62(2)
- art. 6A inserted by 2019 c. 17 s. 62(3)
- art. 11(1A) inserted by 2019 c. 17 s. 62(4)
Power of search with warrantN.I.
This section has no associated Explanatory Memorandum
52.—(1) If a justice of the peace is satisfied that there is reasonable ground for suspecting—
(a)that an offence under this Order has been, is being or is about to be committed; or
(b)that, in connection with a firearm or ammunition, there is a danger to public safety or to the peace,
he may grant a warrant for any of the purposes mentioned in paragraph (2).
(2) A warrant under this Article may authorise a constable or a member of the police support staff—
(a)to enter at any time any premises or place named in the warrant, if necessary by force, and to search the premises or place and every person found there;
(b)to seize and detain anything which he may find there, or on any such person, in respect of which or in connection with which he has reasonable grounds for suspecting—
(i)that an offence under this Order has been, is being or is about to be committed; or
(ii)that, in connection with a firearm, imitation firearm or ammunition, there is a danger to public safety or to the peace.
(3) The power under paragraph (2)(b) to seize and detain anything found on any premises or place shall include power to require any information which is kept in any electronic form and is accessible from the premises or place to be produced in a readable form which can be taken away.
(4) Any person who intentionally obstructs a constable or a member of the police support staff in the exercise of his powers under this Article shall be guilty of an offence.
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C1Art. 52 applied (with modifications) (6.4.2007 for specified purposes and 1.10.2007 to the extent not already in force) by Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006 (c. 38), ss. 51, 66(2), Sch. 2 para. 14(3)(a); S.I. 2007/858, art. 2(j)(ii)(bb); S.I. 2007/2180, art. 4(d)(ii)
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