answer text |
<p>Police have powers under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 and Common Law
to seize and retain property that is believed to be evidence of an offence.</p><p>Once
seized, the property may be retained for no longer than is necessary for use as evidence
at a trial, for forensic examination or for investigation in connection with an offence
or to establish the rightful owner of the property. To ensure the property is admissible
as evidence, police need to keep an accurate record of its seizure and retention and
safe keeping to establish the chain of evidence.</p><p>Owners may obtain independent
legal advice if they wish to make a claim against police for damage to their property.
Free advice can be sought from a Law Centre or Citizens Advice (CA). If a person wishes
to claim property seized by the police, they may also apply to a magistrate’s court
under the Police (Property) Act 1897 for its possession.</p><p> </p><p> </p>
|
|