Commonwealth Consolidated Acts Commonwealth Consolidated Acts(1) This section applies if an authorised officer, and all persons assisting, who are executing a search warrant in relation to premises temporarily cease its execution and leave the premises.
(2) The authorised officer, and persons assisting, may complete the execution of the search warrant if:
(a) the warrant is still in force; and
(b) the authorised officer and persons assisting are absent from the premises:
(i) for not more than 1 hour; or
(ii) if there is an emergency situation, for not more than 12 hours or such longer period as allowed by an issuing officer under subsection (5); or
(iii) for a longer period if the occupier of the premises consents in writing.
Application for extension in emergency situation
(3) An authorised officer, or person assisting, may apply to an issuing officer for an extension of the 12 - hour period mentioned in subparagraph (2)(b)(ii) if:
(a) there is an emergency situation; and
(b) the authorised officer or person assisting reasonably believes that the authorised officer and the persons assisting will not be able to return to the premises within that period.
(4) If it is practicable to do so, before making the application, the authorised officer or person assisting must give notice to the occupier of the premises of his or her intention to apply for an extension.
Extension in emergency situation
(5) An issuing officer may extend the period during which the authorised officer and persons assisting may be away from the premises if:
(a) an application is made under subsection (3); and
(b) the issuing officer is satisfied, by information on oath or affirmation, that there are exceptional circumstances that justify the extension; and
(c) the extension would not result in the period ending after the search warrant ceases to be in force.