Police Reform Act 2002

Chapter 2 U.K. Provisions modifying and supplementing police powers

Powers of arrest U.K.

48 Offences for which a person may be arrested without a warrant E+W

F1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1 S. 48 repealed (1.1.2006) by Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 (c. 15), ss. 174, 178, Sch. 17 Pt. 2; S.I. 2005/3495, art. 2(1)(t)(u)(xlix)

49 Power of arrest in relation to failure to stop a vehicle E+W

(1) F2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(2) In section 17(1)(c) of the 1984 Act (power of entry to effect arrest for certain offences), after sub-paragraph (iii) there shall be inserted—

“(iiia) section 163 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 (c. 52) (failure to stop when required to do so by a constable in uniform);”.

(3) This section has no effect in relation to offences committed before its commencement.

Textual Amendments

F2 S. 49(1) repealed (1.1.2006) by Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 (c. 15), ss. 174, 178, Sch. 17 Pt. 2; S.I. 2005/3495, art. 2(1)(t)(u)(xlix)

Power to require name and address E+W

50 Persons [F3 engaging in anti-social behaviour] E+W

(1) If a constable in uniform has reason to believe that a person [F4 has engaged, or is engaging, in anti-social behaviour] F5 ..., he may require that person to give his name and address to the constable.

[F6 (1A) In subsection (1) “anti-social behaviour” has the meaning given by section 2 of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 (ignoring subsection (2) of that section).]

(2) Any person who—

(a) fails to give his name and address when required to do so under subsection (1), or

(b) gives a false or inaccurate name or address in response to a requirement under that subsection,

is guilty of an offence and shall be liable, on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.

Textual Amendments

F3 Words in s. 50 heading substituted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 3.4.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), s. 183(1)(5)(e), Sch. 12 para. 33(3); S.I. 2017/399, reg. 2, Sch. para. 40

F4 Words in s. 50(1) substituted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 3.4.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), s. 183(1)(5)(e), Sch. 12 para. 33(2); S.I. 2017/399, reg. 2, Sch. para. 40

F5 Words in s. 50(1) omitted (23.3.2015) by virtue of Anti Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 (c. 12), s. 185(1), Sch. 11 para. 31(2) (with ss. 21, 33, 42, 58, 75, 93); S.I. 2015/373, art. 4(f)(viii)

F6 S. 50(1A) inserted (23.3.2015) by Anti Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 (c. 12), s. 185(1), Sch. 11 para. 31(3) (with ss. 21, 33, 42, 58, 75, 93); S.I. 2015/373, art. 4(f)(viii)

Persons in police detention U.K.

51 Independent custody visitors for places of detention E+W

(1) Every [F7 local policing body] shall—

(a) make arrangements for detainees to be visited by persons appointed under the arrangements (“independent custody visitors”); and

(b) keep those arrangements under review and from time to time revise them as they think fit.

[F8 (1A) Every [F9 local policing body] must ensure—

(a) that the arrangements made by it require independent custody visitors to prepare and submit to it a report of any visit made under the arrangements to a suspected terrorist detainee, and

(b) that a copy of any report submitted under paragraph (a) is given to the person appointed under section 36(1) of the Terrorism Act 2006 (independent reviewer of terrorism legislation).]

(2) The arrangements must secure that the persons appointed under the arrangements are independent of both—

(a) the [F10 local policing body]; and

(b) the chief officer of police of the police force maintained by [F11 that body].

(3) The arrangements may confer on independent custody visitors such powers as the [F12 local policing body] considers necessary to enable them to carry out their functions under the arrangements and may, in particular, confer on them powers—

(a) to require access to be given to each police station;

(b) to examine records relating to the detention of persons there;

[F13 (ba) in relation to suspected terrorist detainees, to listen to the audio recordings and view the video recordings (with or without sound) of interviews with those detainees which have taken place during their detention there and which were conducted by a constable;]

(c) to meet detainees there for the purposes of a discussion about their treatment and conditions while detained; and

(d) to inspect the facilities there including in particular, cell accommodation, washing and toilet facilities and the facilities for the provision of food.

[F14 (3A) The arrangements may include provision for access to the whole or part of an audio or video recording of an interview of the kind mentioned in subsection (3)(ba) to be denied to independent custody visitors if—

(a) it appears to an officer of or above the rank of inspector that there are grounds for denying access at the time it is requested;

(b) the grounds are grounds specified for the purposes of paragraph (a) in the arrangements; and

(c) the procedural requirements imposed by the arrangements in relation to a denial of access to such recordings are complied with.

(3B) Grounds are not to be specified in any arrangements for the purposes of subsection (3A)(a) unless they are grounds for the time being set out for the purposes of this subsection in the code of practice issued by the Secretary of State under subsection (6).]

(4) The arrangements may include provision for access to a detainee to be denied to independent custody visitors if—

(a) it appears to an officer of or above the rank of inspector that there are grounds for denying access at the time it is requested;

(b) the grounds are grounds specified for the purposes of paragraph (a) in the arrangements; and

(c) the procedural requirements imposed by the arrangements in relation to a denial of access are complied with.

(5) Grounds shall not be specified in any arrangements for the purposes of subsection (4)(a) unless they are grounds for the time being set out for the purposes of this subsection in the code of practice issued by the Secretary of State under subsection (6).

(6) The Secretary of State shall issue, and may from time to time revise, a code of practice as to the carrying out by [F15 local policing bodies] and independent custody visitors of their functions under the arrangements.

(7) Before issuing or revising a code of practice under this section, the Secretary of State shall consult with—

[F16 [F17 (a) such persons as appear to the Secretary of State to represent the views of police and crime commissioners;

(aa) the Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime;

(ab) the Common Council of the City of London;]

(b) [F18 the National Police Chiefs' Council]; and]

(c) such other persons as he thinks fit.

(8) The Secretary of State shall lay any code of practice issued by him under this section, and any revisions of any such code, before Parliament.

(9) [F19 Local policing bodies] and independent custody visitors shall have regard to the code of practice for the time being in force under subsection (6) in the carrying out of their functions under the preceding provisions of this section.

[F20 (10) In this section—

• “detainee”, in relation to arrangements made under this section, means a person detained in a police station in the police area of the [F21 local policing body];

• “suspected terrorist detainee” means a detainee detained under section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000.]

Textual Amendments

F7 Words in s. 51(1) substituted (16.1.2012) by Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 (c. 13), s. 157(1), Sch. 16 para. 299(2); S.I. 2011/3019, art. 3, Sch. 1

F8 S. 51(1A) inserted (22.4.2013) by Coroners and Justice Act 2009 (c. 25), ss. 117(5), 182(5) (with s. 180); S.I. 2013/705, art. 2

F9 Words in s. 51(1A) substituted (16.1.2012) by Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 (c. 13), s. 157(1), Sch. 16 para. 299(3); S.I. 2011/3019, art. 3, Sch. 1

F10 Words in s. 51(2)(a) substituted (16.1.2012) by Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 (c. 13), s. 157(1), Sch. 16 para. 299(4)(a); S.I. 2011/3019, art. 3, Sch. 1

F11 Words in s. 51(2)(b) substituted (16.1.2012) by Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 (c. 13), s. 157(1), Sch. 16 para. 299(4)(b); S.I. 2011/3019, art. 3, Sch. 1

F12 Words in s. 51(3) substituted (16.1.2012) by Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 (c. 13), s. 157(1), Sch. 16 para. 299(5); S.I. 2011/3019, art. 3, Sch. 1

F13 S. 51(3)(ba) inserted (22.4.2013) by Coroners and Justice Act 2009 (c. 25), ss. 117(6), 182(5) (with s. 180); S.I. 2013/705, art. 2

F14 S. 51(3A)(3B) inserted (22.4.2013) by Coroners and Justice Act 2009 (c. 25), ss. 117(7), 182(5) (with s. 180); S.I. 2013/705, art. 2

F15 Words in s. 51(6) substituted (16.1.2012) by Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 (c. 13), s. 157(1), Sch. 16 para. 299(6); S.I. 2011/3019, art. 3, Sch. 1

F16 S. 51(7)(a)(b) substituted (1.4.2007) by Police and Justice Act 2006 (c. 48), ss. 6, 53, Sch. 4 para. 16; S.I. 2007/709, art. 3(d) (subject to arts. 6, 7)

F17 S. 51(7)(a)-(ab) substituted for s. 51(7)(a) (16.1.2012) by Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 (c. 13), s. 157(1), Sch. 16 para. 299(7); S.I. 2011/3019, art. 3, Sch. 1 (with Sch. 2 para. 71)

F18 Words in s. 51(7)(b) substituted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 3.4.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), s. 183(1)(5)(e), Sch. 14 paras. 6, 7(e); S.I. 2017/399, reg. 2, Sch. para. 41

F19 Words in s. 51(9) substituted (16.1.2012) by Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 (c. 13), s. 157(1), Sch. 16 para. 299(8); S.I. 2011/3019, art. 3, Sch. 1

F20 S. 51(10) substituted (22.4.2013) by Coroners and Justice Act 2009 (c. 25), ss. 117(8), 182(5) (with s. 180); S.I. 2013/705, art. 2

F21 Words in s. 51(10) substituted (16.1.2012) by Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 (c. 13), s. 157(1), Sch. 16 para. 299(9)(b); S.I. 2011/3019, art. 3, Sch. 1

52 Detention reviews for detained persons who are asleep U.K.

(1) In section 40 of the 1984 Act (review of police detention), in subsection (8) for the words from “the substitution” to the end there shall be substituted “ the modifications specified in subsection (8A) ”.

(2) After that subsection there shall be inserted—

“(8A) The modifications are—

(a) the substitution of references to the person whose detention is under review for references to the person arrested;

(b) the substitution of references to the review officer for references to the custody officer; and

(c) in subsection (6), the insertion of the following paragraph after paragraph (a)—

“(aa) asleep;””

(3) In subsection (10) of that section—

(a) for “(6)” there shall be substituted “ (6B) ”; and

(b) for the words from “the substitution” to the end there shall be substituted “ the modifications specified in subsection (10A) ”.

(4) After that subsection there shall be inserted—

“(10A) The modifications are—

(a) the substitution of a reference to the person whose detention is under review for any reference to the person arrested or to the person charged; and

(b) in subsection (5), the insertion of the following paragraph after paragraph (a)—

“(aa) asleep;””

53 Persons suspected of offences connected with transport systems U.K.

(1) In section 34(6) of the 1984 Act (persons treated as arrested for an offence), after “1988” there shall be inserted “ or section 30(2) of the Transport and Works Act 1992 (c. 42) ”.

(2) In section 62(11) of that Act (provisions of the Road Traffic Act 1988 (c. 52) relating to the taking of specimens not to be affected by provisions of that section)—

(a) for “affects” there shall be substituted “ applies to the taking of a specimen for the purposes of any of the provisions of ”; and

(b) after “Road Traffic Act 1988” there shall be inserted “ or of sections 26 to 38 of the Transport and Works Act 1992 ”.

Blood specimens U.K.

54 Persons authorised to take intimate samples from persons in police detention E+W

(1) For subsection (9) of section 62 of the 1984 Act (persons who may take intimate samples) there shall be substituted—

“(9) In the case of an intimate sample which is a dental impression, the sample may be taken from a person only by a registered dentist.

(9A) In the case of any other form of intimate sample, except in the case of a sample of urine, the sample may be taken from a person only by—

(a) a registered medical practitioner; or

(b) a registered health care professional.”

(2) In section 65 of the 1984 Act (interpretation of Part 5 of that Act), in subsection (1) after the definition of “registered dentist” there shall be inserted—

““registered health care professional” means a person (other than a medical practitioner) who is—

(a) a registered nurse; or

(b) a registered member of a health care profession which is designated for the purposes of this paragraph by an order made by the Secretary of State;”.

(3) After that subsection, there shall be inserted—

“(1A) A health care profession is any profession mentioned in section 60(2) of the Health Act 1999 (c. 8) other than the profession of practising medicine and the profession of nursing.

(1B) An order under subsection (1) shall be made by statutory instrument and shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.”

Commencement Information

I1 S. 54 wholly in force at 1.4.2003; s. 54 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 108(2); s. 54(2)(3) in force for certain purposes at 1.10.2002 by S.I. 2002/2306, art. 4(d); s. 54 in force in so far as not already in force at 1.4.2003 by S.I. 2003/808, art. 2(e)

55 Extension of role of health care professionals E+W

(1) In subsection (4) of section 7 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 (constable to decide if specimen is of blood or urine) for the words from “shall be decided” onwards there shall be substituted “ and, in the case of a specimen of blood, the question who is to be asked to take it shall be decided (subject to subsection (4A)) by the constable making the requirement ”.

(2) After that subsection there shall be inserted—

“(4A) Where a constable decides for the purposes of subsection (4) to require the provision of a specimen of blood, there shall be no requirement to provide such a specimen if—

(a) the medical practitioner who is asked to take the specimen is of the opinion that, for medical reasons, it cannot or should not be taken; or

(b) the registered health care professional who is asked to take it is of that opinion and there is no contrary opinion from a medical practitioner;

and, where by virtue of this subsection there can be no requirement to provide a specimen of blood, the constable may require a specimen of urine instead.”

(3) In subsection (2) of section 11 of that Act (interpretation of sections 3A to 10 of that Act), after the definition of “prescribed limit” there shall be inserted—

““registered health care professional” means a person (other than a medical practitioner) who is—

(a) a registered nurse; or

(b) a registered member of a health care profession which is designated for the purposes of this paragraph by an order made by the Secretary of State.”

(4) After that subsection there shall be inserted—

“(2A) A health care profession is any profession mentioned in section 60(2) of the Health Act 1999 (c. 8) other than the profession of practising medicine and the profession of nursing.

(2B) An order under subsection (2) shall be made by statutory instrument; and any such statutory instrument shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.”

(5) For subsection (4) of that section there shall be substituted—

“(4) A person provides a specimen of blood if and only if—

(a) he consents to the taking of such a specimen from him; and

(b) the specimen is taken from him by a medical practitioner or, if it is taken in a police station, either by a medical practitioner or by a registered health care professional.”

Commencement Information

I2 S. 55 wholly in force at 1.4.2003; s. 55 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 108(2); s. 55(2)(3) in force for certain purposes at 1.10.2002 by S.I. 2002/2306, art. 4(d); s. 55 in force in so far as not already in force at 1.4.2003 by S.I. 2003/808, art. 2(e)

56 Specimens taken from persons incapable of consenting E+W

(1) After section 7 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 (c. 52) there shall be inserted—

“7A Specimens of blood taken from persons incapable of consenting

(1) A constable may make a request to a medical practitioner for him to take a specimen of blood from a person (“the person concerned”) irrespective of whether that person consents if—

(a) that person is a person from whom the constable would (in the absence of any incapacity of that person and of any objection under section 9) be entitled under section 7 to require the provision of a specimen of blood for a laboratory test;

(b) it appears to that constable that that person has been involved in an accident that constitutes or is comprised in the matter that is under investigation or the circumstances of that matter;

(c) it appears to that constable that that person is or may be incapable (whether or not he has purported to do so) of giving a valid consent to the taking of a specimen of blood; and

(d) it appears to that constable that that person’s incapacity is attributable to medical reasons.

(2) A request under this section—

(a) shall not be made to a medical practitioner who for the time being has any responsibility (apart from the request) for the clinical care of the person concerned; and

(b) shall not be made to a medical practitioner other than a police medical practitioner unless—

(i) it is not reasonably practicable for the request to made to a police medical practitioner; or

(ii) it is not reasonably practicable for such a medical practitioner (assuming him to be willing to do so) to take the specimen.

(3) It shall be lawful for a medical practitioner to whom a request is made under this section, if he thinks fit—

(a) to take a specimen of blood from the person concerned irrespective of whether that person consents; and

(b) to provide the sample to a constable.

(4) If a specimen is taken in pursuance of a request under this section, the specimen shall not be subjected to a laboratory test unless the person from whom it was taken—

(a) has been informed that it was taken; and

(b) has been required by a constable to give his permission for a laboratory test of the specimen; and

(c) has given his permission.

(5) A constable must, on requiring a person to give his permission for the purposes of this section for a laboratory test of a specimen, warn that person that a failure to give the permission may render him liable to prosecution.

(6) A person who, without reasonable excuse, fails to give his permission for a laboratory test of a specimen of blood taken from him under this section is guilty of an offence.

(7) In this section “police medical practitioner” means a medical practitioner who is engaged under any agreement to provide medical services for purposes connected with the activities of a police force.”

(2) In section 9 of that Act (protection of hospital patients), for subsection (2) there shall be substituted—

“(1A) While a person is at a hospital as a patient, no specimen of blood shall be taken from him under section 7A of this Act and he shall not be required to give his permission for a laboratory test of a specimen taken under that section unless the medical practitioner in immediate charge of his case—

(a) has been notified of the proposal to take the specimen or to make the requirement; and

(b) has not objected on the ground specified in subsection (2).

(2) The ground on which the medical practitioner may object is—

(a) in a case falling within subsection (1), that the requirement or the provision of the specimen or (if one is required) the warning required by section 7(7) of this Act would be prejudicial to the proper care and treatment of the patient; and

(b) in a case falling within subsection (1A), that the taking of the specimen, the requirement or the warning required by section 7A(5) of this Act would be so prejudicial.”

(3) In section 34(3) of the Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988 (c. 53) (disqualification for certain offences where offender has previous conviction)—

(a) the word “and” at the end of paragraph (b) shall be omitted; and

(b) after paragraph (c) there shall be inserted—

“(d) section 7A(6) (failing to allow a specimen to be subjected to laboratory test) where that is an offence involving obligatory disqualification;”.

(4) In Schedule 1 to the Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988 (offences to which sections 1, 11 and 12(1) of that Act apply), in the Table, after the entry beginning “RTA section 7” there shall be inserted—

“RTA section 7A

Failing to allow specimen of blood to be subjected to laboratory test

Sections 11 and 12(1).”

(5) In Part 1 of Schedule 2 to the Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988 (prosecution and punishment of offences under the Traffic Acts), after the entry beginning “RTA section 7” there shall be inserted—

“RTA section 7A

Failing to allow specimen to be subjected to laboratory test

Summarily

(a) Where the test would be for ascertaining ability to drive or proportion of alcohol at the time offender was driving or attempting to drive, 6 months or level 5 on the standard scale or both. (b) In any other case, 3 months or level 4 on the standard scale or both

(a) Obligatory in the case mentioned in column 4(a) (b) Discretionary in any other case

Obligatory

3-11, in case ment-ioned in column 4(a) 10, in any other case.”

F22 (6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F22 S. 56(6) repealed (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 28 (with ss. 413(4)(5), 416(7), Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2

57 Use of specimens taken from persons incapable of consenting E+W

(1) In subsection (2) of section 15 of the Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988 (c. 53) (evidence of blood alcohol level)—

(a) after “provided by” there shall be inserted “ or taken from ”; and

(b) after the word “provided”, in the second place where it occurs, there shall be inserted “ or taken ”.

(2) In subsection (3)(a) of that section (rebutting the assumption in subsection (2)), after “provided the specimen” there shall be inserted “ or had it taken from him ”.

(3) In subsection (4) of that section (circumstances in which a specimen of blood is to be disregarded), for the words from “unless” to the end there shall be substituted “unless—

(a) it was taken from the accused with his consent and either—

(i) in a police station by a medical practitioner or a registered health care professional; or

(ii) elsewhere by a medical practitioner;

or

(b) it was taken from the accused by a medical practitioner under section 7A of the Road Traffic Act 1988 and the accused subsequently gave his permission for a laboratory test of the specimen.”

(4) After subsection (5) of that section, there shall be inserted—

“(5A) Where a specimen of blood was taken from the accused under section 7A of the Road Traffic Act 1988, evidence of the proportion of alcohol or any drug found in the specimen is not admissible on behalf of the prosecution unless—

(a) the specimen in which the alcohol or drug was found is one of two parts into which the specimen taken from the accused was divided at the time it was taken; and

(b) any request to be supplied with the other part which was made by the accused at the time when he gave his permission for a laboratory test of the specimen was complied with.”

(5) In subsection (1) of section 16 of that Act (documentary evidence as to specimens), after “15(5)” there shall be inserted “ and (5A) ”.

(6) In subsection (2) of that section (documentary evidence as to consent), after the words “medical practitioner”, in both places where they occur, there shall be inserted “ or a registered health care professional ”.

Commencement Information

I3 S. 57 wholly in force at 1.4.2003; s. 57 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 108(2); s. 57(1)-(5) (except for certain words in subsection (3)) in force at 1.10.2002 by S.I. 2002/2306, art. 2(d)(v); s. 57 in force in so far as not already in force at 1.4.2003 by S.I. 2003/808, art. 2(e)

58 Equivalent provision for offences connected with transport systems E+W

(1) In subsection (6) of section 31 of the Transport and Works Act 1992 (c. 42) (constable to decide if specimen is of blood or urine), for the words from “shall be decided” onwards there shall be substituted “ and, in the case of a specimen of blood, the question who is to be asked to take it shall be decided (subject to subsection (6A)) by the constable making the requirement ”.

(2) After that subsection there shall be inserted—

“(6A) Where a constable decides for the purposes of subsection (6) to require the provision of a specimen of blood, there shall be no requirement to provide such a specimen if—

(a) the medical practitioner who is asked to take the specimen is of the opinion that, for medical reasons, it cannot or should not be taken; or

(b) the registered health care professional who is asked to take it is of that opinion and there is no contrary opinion from a medical practitioner,

and, where by virtue of this subsection there can be no requirement to provide a specimen of blood, the constable may require a specimen of urine instead.”

(3) After subsection (9) of that section there shall be inserted—

“(9A) In this section “health care professional” means a person (other than a medical practitioner) who is—

(a) a registered nurse; or

(b) a registered member of a health care profession which is designated for the purposes of this paragraph by an order made by the Secretary of State.

(9B) A health care profession is any profession mentioned in section 60(2) of the Health Act 1999 (c. 8) other than the profession of practising medicine and the profession of nursing.

(9C) An order under subsection (9A)(b) shall be made by statutory instrument; and any such statutory instrument shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.”

(4) After section 31 of that Act there shall be inserted—

“31A Specimens of blood taken from persons incapable of consenting

(1) A constable may make a request to a medical practitioner for him to take a specimen of blood from a person (“the person concerned”) irrespective of whether that person consents if—

(a) that person is a person from whom the constable would (in the absence of any incapacity of that person and of any objection under section 33) be entitled under section 31 to require the provision of a specimen of blood for a laboratory test;

(b) it appears to that constable that that person has been involved in—

(i) an accident that constitutes or is comprised in the matter that is under investigation or the circumstances of that matter; or

(ii) a dangerous incident (within the meaning given by section 29(3)) that constitutes or is comprised in that matter or those circumstances;

(c) it appears to that constable that that person is or may be incapable (whether or not he has purported to do so) of giving a valid consent to the taking of a specimen of blood; and

(d) it appears to that constable that that person’s incapacity is attributable to medical reasons.

(2) A request under this section—

(a) shall not be made to a medical practitioner who for the time being has any responsibility (apart from the request) for the clinical care of the person concerned; and

(b) shall not be made to a medical practitioner other than a police medical practitioner unless—

(i) it is not reasonably practicable for the request to made to a police medical practitioner; or

(ii) it is not reasonably practicable for such a medical practitioner (assuming him to be willing to do so) to take the specimen.

(3) It shall be lawful for a medical practitioner to whom a request is made under this section, if he thinks fit—

(a) to take a specimen of blood from the person concerned irrespective of whether that person consents; and

(b) to provide the sample to a constable.

(4) If a specimen is taken in pursuance of a request under this section, the specimen shall not be subjected to a laboratory test unless the person from whom it was taken—

(a) has been informed that it was taken; and

(b) has been required by a constable to give his permission for a laboratory test of the specimen; and

(c) has given his permission.

(5) A constable must, on requiring a person to give his permission for the purposes of this section for a laboratory test of a specimen, warn that person that a failure to give the permission, may render him liable to prosecution.

(6) A person who, without reasonable excuse, fails to give his permission for a laboratory test of a specimen of blood taken from him under this section is guilty of an offence.

(7) In this section “police medical practitioner” means a medical practitioner who is engaged under any agreement to provide medical services for purposes connected with the activities of a police force.”

(5) In section 33 of that Act (protection of hospital patients), for subsection (2) there shall be substituted—

“(1A) While a person is at a hospital as a patient, no specimen of blood shall be taken from him under section 31A of this Act and he shall not be required to give his permission for a laboratory test of a specimen taken under that section unless the medical practitioner in immediate charge of his case—

(a) has been notified of the proposal to take the specimen or to make the requirement; and

(b) has not objected on the ground specified in subsection (2).

(2) The ground on which the medical practitioner may object is—

(a) in a case falling within subsection (1), that the requirement or the provision of the specimen or (if one is required) the warning required by section 31(9) of this Act would be prejudicial to the proper care and treatment of the patient; and

(b) in a case falling within subsection (1A), that the taking of the specimen, the requirement or the warning required by section 31A(5) of this Act would be so prejudicial.”

(6) In subsection (1)(a) of section 34 of that Act (evidence of blood alcohol level) after “provided by” there shall be inserted “ or taken from ”.

(7) In subsection (2)(a) of that section (rebutting the assumption in subsection (1)(b)), after “provided the specimen” there shall be inserted “ or had it taken from him ”.

(8) After subsection (3) of that section there shall be substituted—

“(3A) Where a specimen of blood was taken from the accused under section 31A, evidence of the proportion of alcohol or any drug found in the specimen is not admissible on behalf of the prosecution in the proceedings unless—

(a) the specimen in which the alcohol or drug was found is one of two parts into which the specimen taken from the accused was divided at the time it was taken; and

(b) any request to be supplied with the other part which was made by the accused at the time when he gave his permission for a laboratory test of the specimen was complied with.”

(9) In section 35(3) of that Act (documentary evidence as to consent) after the words “practitioner”, in both places where it occurs, there shall be inserted “ or a registered health care professional ”.

(10) After subsection (2) of section 38 of that Act (interpretation of Chapter 1 of Part 2 of that Act) there shall be inserted—

“(2A) In this Chapter “registered health care professional” means a person (other than a medical practitioner) who is—

(a) a registered nurse; or

(b) a registered member of a health care profession which is designated for the purposes of this paragraph by an order made by the Secretary of State.

(2B) A health care profession is any profession mentioned in section 60(2) of the Health Act 1999 (c. 8) other than the profession of practising medicine and the profession of nursing.

(2C) An order under subsection (2A)(b) shall be made by statutory instrument; and any such statutory instrument shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.”

(11) For subsection (5) of that section there shall be substituted—

“(5) For the purposes of this Chapter, a person provides a specimen of blood if and only if—

(a) he consents to the taking of such a specimen from him; and

(b) the specimen is taken from him by a medical practitioner or, if it is taken in a police station, either by a medical practitioner or by a registered health care professional.”

Commencement Information

I4 S. 58 wholly in force at 1.4.2003; s. 58 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 108(2); s. 58(3)(4)-(8)(10) in force at 1.10.2002 by S.I. 2002/2306, arts. {2(d)(v)},{4(d)}; s. 58 in force in so far as not already in force at 1.4.2003 by S.I. 2003/808, art. 2(e)

Seizure of motor vehicles E+W

59 Vehicles used in manner causing alarm, distress or annoyance E+W

(1) Where a constable in uniform has reasonable grounds for believing that a motor vehicle is being used on any occasion in a manner which—

(a) contravenes section 3 or 34 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 (c. 52) (careless and inconsiderate driving and prohibition of off-road driving), and

(b) is causing, or is likely to cause, alarm, distress or annoyance to members of the public,

he shall have the powers set out in subsection (3).

(2) A constable in uniform shall also have the powers set out in subsection (3) where he has reasonable grounds for believing that a motor vehicle has been used on any occasion in a manner falling within subsection (1).

(3) Those powers are—

(a) power, if the motor vehicle is moving, to order the person driving it to stop the vehicle;

(b) power to seize and remove the motor vehicle;

(c) power, for the purposes of exercising a power falling within paragraph (a) or (b), to enter any premises on which he has reasonable grounds for believing the motor vehicle to be;

(d) power to use reasonable force, if necessary, in the exercise of any power conferred by any of paragraphs to (a) to (c).

(4) A constable shall not seize a motor vehicle in the exercise of the powers conferred on him by this section unless—

(a) he has warned the person appearing to him to be the person whose use falls within subsection (1) that he will seize it, if that use continues or is repeated; and

(b) it appears to him that the use has continued or been repeated after the warning.

(5) Subsection (4) does not require a warning to be given by a constable on any occasion on which he would otherwise have the power to seize a motor vehicle under this section if—

(a) the circumstances make it impracticable for him to give the warning;

(b) the constable has already on that occasion given a warning under that subsection in respect of any use of that motor vehicle or of another motor vehicle by that person or any other person;

(c) the constable has reasonable grounds for believing that such a warning has been given on that occasion otherwise than by him; or

(d) the constable has reasonable grounds for believing that the person whose use of that motor vehicle on that occasion would justify the seizure is a person to whom a warning under that subsection has been given (whether or not by that constable or in respect the same vehicle or the same or a similar use) on a previous occasion in the previous twelve months.

(6) A person who fails to comply with an order under subsection (3)(a) is guilty of an offence and shall be liable, on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.

(7) Subsection (3)(c) does not authorise entry into a private dwelling house.

(8) The powers conferred on a constable by this section shall be exercisable only at a time when regulations under section 60 are in force.

(9) In this section—

• “driving” has the same meaning as in the Road Traffic Act 1988 (c. 52);

• “motor vehicle” means any mechanically propelled vehicle, whether or not it is intended or adapted for use on roads; and

• “private dwelling house” does not include any garage or other structure occupied with the dwelling house, or any land appurtenant to the dwelling house.

60 Retention etc. of vehicles seized under section 59 E+W

(1) The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision as to—

(a) the removal and retention of motor vehicles seized under section 59; and

(b) the release or disposal of such motor vehicles.

(2) Regulations under subsection (1) may, in particular, make provision—

(a) for the giving of notice of the seizure of a motor vehicle under section 59 to a person who is the owner of that vehicle or who, in accordance with the regulations, appears to be its owner;

(b) for the procedure by which a person who claims to be the owner of a motor vehicle seized under section 59 may seek to have it released;

(c) for requiring the payment of fees, charges or costs in relation to the removal and retention of such a motor vehicle and to any application for its release;

(d) as to the circumstances in which a motor vehicle seized under section 59 may be disposed of;

(e) as to the destination—

(i) of any fees or charges payable in accordance with the regulations; and

(ii) of the proceeds (if any) arising from the disposal of a motor vehicle seized under section 59;

(f) for the delivery to a local authority, in circumstances prescribed by or determined in accordance with the regulations, of any motor vehicle seized under section 59.

(3) Regulations under subsection (1) must provide that a person who would otherwise be liable to pay any fee or charge under the regulations shall not be liable to pay it if—

(a) the use by reference to which the motor vehicle in question was seized was not a use by him; and

(b) he did not know of the use of the vehicle in the manner which led to its seizure, had not consented to its use in that manner and could not, by the taking of reasonable steps, have prevented its use in that manner.

(4) In this section—

• “local authority”—

  (a)

  in relation to England, means the council of a county, metropolitan district or London borough, the Common Council of the City of London or Transport for London; and

  (b)

  in relation to Wales, means the council of a county or county borough;

• “motor vehicle” has the same meaning as in section 59.

Anti-social behaviour U.K.

F23 61 Anti-social behaviour orders E+W

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F23 Ss. 61-66 repealed (23.3.2015) by Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 (c. 12), s. 185(1), Sch. 11 para. 50 (with ss. 21, 33, 42, 58, 75, 93); S.I. 2015/373, art. 4(f)(xii)

F23 62 Power of Secretary of State to add to relevant authorities U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F23 Ss. 61-66 repealed (23.3.2015) by Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 (c. 12), s. 185(1), Sch. 11 para. 50 (with ss. 21, 33, 42, 58, 75, 93); S.I. 2015/373, art. 4(f)(xii)

F23 63 Orders in county court proceedings U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F23 Ss. 61-66 repealed (23.3.2015) by Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 (c. 12), s. 185(1), Sch. 11 para. 50 (with ss. 21, 33, 42, 58, 75, 93); S.I. 2015/373, art. 4(f)(xii)

F23 64 Orders on conviction in criminal proceedings U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F23 Ss. 61-66 repealed (23.3.2015) by Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 (c. 12), s. 185(1), Sch. 11 para. 50 (with ss. 21, 33, 42, 58, 75, 93); S.I. 2015/373, art. 4(f)(xii)

F23 65 Interim orders U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F23 Ss. 61-66 repealed (23.3.2015) by Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 (c. 12), s. 185(1), Sch. 11 para. 50 (with ss. 21, 33, 42, 58, 75, 93); S.I. 2015/373, art. 4(f)(xii)

Commencement Information

I5 S. 65 wholly in force at 1.4.2003; s. 65 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 108(2); s. 65 in force for certain purposes at 2.12.2002 by S.I. 2002/2750, art. 2(a)(vii); s. 65 in force in so far as not already in force at 1.4.2003 by S.I. 2003/808, art. 2(f)

F23 66 Consultation requirements U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F23 Ss. 61-66 repealed (23.3.2015) by Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 (c. 12), s. 185(1), Sch. 11 para. 50 (with ss. 21, 33, 42, 58, 75, 93); S.I. 2015/373, art. 4(f)(xii)

Commencement Information

I6 S. 66 wholly in force at 1.4.2003; s. 66 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 108(2); s. 66 in force for certain purposes at 2.12.2002 by S.I. 2002/2750, art. 2(a)(vii); s. 66 in force in so far as not already in force at 1.4.2003 by S.I. 2003/808, art. 2(f)

Sex offenders U.K.

67 Sex offenders: England and Wales E+W

F24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F24 S. 67 repealed (1.5.2004) by Sexual Offences Act 2003 (c. 42), ss. 140, 141, Sch. 7; S.I. 2004/874, art. 2

68 Interim orders for sex offenders: England and Wales E+W

F25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F25 S. 68 repealed (1.5.2004) by Sexual Offences Act 2003 (c. 42), ss. 140, 141, Sch. 7; S.I. 2004/874, art. 2

69 Sex offender orders made in Scotland or Northern Ireland U.K.

F26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F26 S. 69 repealed (1.5.2004) by Sexual Offences Act 2003 (c. 42), ss. 140, 141, Sch. 7; S.I. 2004/874, art. 2; S.S.I. 2004/138, art. 2

70 Sex offenders: Scotland E+W+S

F27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F27 S. 70 repealed (1.5.2004) by Sexual Offences Act 2003 (c. 42), ss. 140, 141, Sch. 7; S.I. 2004/874, art. 2; S.S.I. 2004/138, art. 2

71 Sex offender orders made in England and Wales or Northern Ireland U.K.

F28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F28 S. 71 repealed (1.5.2004) by Sexual Offences Act 2003 (c. 42), ss. 140, 141, Sch. 7; S.I. 2004/874, art. 2; S.S.I. 2004/138, art. 2

72 Sex offenders: Northern Ireland U.K.

F29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F29 S. 72 repealed (1.5.2004) by Sexual Offences Act 2003 (c. 42), ss. 140, 141, Sch. 7; S.I. 2004/874, art. 2; S.S.I. 2004/138, art. 2

73 Interim orders for sex offenders: Northern Ireland U.K.

F30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F30 S. 73 repealed (1.5.2004) by Sexual Offences Act 2003 (c. 42), ss. 140, 141, Sch. 7; S.I. 2004/874, art. 2; S.S.I. 2004/138, art. 2

74 Sex offender orders made in England and Wales or Scotland U.K.

F31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F31 S. 74 repealed (1.5.2004) by Sexual Offences Act 2003 (c. 42), ss. 140, 141, Sch. 7; S.I. 2004/874, art. 2; S.S.I. 2004/138, art. 2

The British Transport Police E+W

75 Removal of truants to designated places E+W

(1) In section 16 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 (c. 37) (removal of truants to designated place), after subsection (3) there shall be inserted—

“(3A) The power of a police officer of or above the rank of superintendent under subsection (2) to specify any area falling within a police area shall be exercisable by such an officer who is a member of the British Transport Police as if the reference in that subsection to an area in the police area were a reference to—

(a) any area in or in the vicinity of any policed premises; or

(b) the whole or any part of any such premises;

and references in subsection (3) to the specified area shall have effect accordingly.”

(2) In subsection (5) of that section (interpretation)—

(a) before the definition of “local authority” there shall be inserted—

““British Transport Police” means the force of constables appointed under section 53 of the British Transport Commission Act 1949 (c. xxix);”

and

(b) after the definition of “local authority” there shall be inserted—

““policed premises” has the meaning given by section 53(3) of the British Transport Commission Act 1949;”.

76 Amendments to Part 3 of the Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988 E+W

(1) Part 3 of the Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988 (c. 53) (fixed penalties) shall be amended as follows.

F32 (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(3) In section 75(1) (conditional offers in England and Wales), at the end there shall be inserted “or, if the constable is a member of the British Transport Police, by or on behalf of the chief constable of the British Transport Police.”

F33 (4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(5) In section 87 (guidance from the Secretary of State), after “areas” there shall be inserted “ and to the chief constable of the British Transport Police ”.

(6) In section 89 (interpretation of Part 3), after the definition of “authorised person” there shall be inserted—

““British Transport Police” means the force of constables appointed under the British Transport Commission Act 1949 (c. xxix);”.

Textual Amendments

F32 S. 76(2) omitted (30.11.2022) by virtue of Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 (c. 32), s. 208(1), Sch. 10 para. 28; S.I. 2022/1187, reg. 4(a) (with Pt. 3)

F33 S. 76(4) repealed (31.3.2009) by Road Safety Act 2006 (c. 49), ss. 59, 61, Sch. 7(2); S.I. 2008/3164, art. 3(d)

Property in possession of NCS E+W

77 Application of the Police (Property) Act 1897 to NCS E+W

(1) After section 2 of the Police (Property) Act 1897 (c. 30) there shall be inserted—

“2A Application to NCS

(1) This Act applies to property which has come into the possession of the National Crime Squad as it applies to property that has come into the possession of the police.

(2) In relation to property that has come into the possession of the National Crime Squad—

(a) the reference in section 1(1) to an officer of police is a reference to a member of that Squad; and

(b) references in section 2 to the property remaining in the possession of the police are references to its remaining in the possession of that Squad.

(3) The power to make regulations under section 2 has effect in relation to property that has come into the possession of the National Crime Squad as if—

(a) the relevant authority for the purposes of subsection (2A) of that section were the Service Authority for that Squad; and

(b) the reference in subsection (2A)(c) of that section to police purposes were a reference to the purposes of that Squad.”

(2) In section (2) of that Act (regulations), for subsection (2B) there shall be substituted—

“(2B) The relevant authority for the purposes of subsection (2A) is the police authority.”