Quote:
Originally Posted by madmax215
Since when has it been within the law for the police to gain entry to a probety without the owners consent, as far as I know they have to give the owner a search warrent or arrest him to search the house.
|
No, if the owner is not present they can force entry.
Gwent police did this to my property last year, the IPCC were not particularly interested about it. They refused to pay for the damage because 'They had good reason to believe that I was running a large scale drugs operation' although the warrant was obtained under questionable means.
The senior officer involved was very sheepish and apologetic about it as they were made to look like a bunch of incompetent idiots. He actually tried his best to get the damage paid for, all I asked for was the cost of the replacement door and frame I was not even concerned about the fitting costs.
For me it wasn't the fact that they were incompetent, it was the arrogance of their legal department who didn't want to admit their incompetence. The general opinion from others who have experienced the same is it appears to be that Gwent police seem to have somewhat of a reputation for it, and they will not admit any liability.
The information leading to them searching my house came from an incompetent PCSO. They would not admit it, but he disappeared from this beat immediately when I pointed the finger and rushes off like a scalded cat when he sees me. It's quite funny to see him look uncomfortable and run off in the opposite direction, his day will come.
What they have now is a member of the public who would never help them, and would certainly not go to the assistance of an officer in distress.
So the reality is., that they will do as they please when it comes to obtaining a warrant, forcing entry and searching your home.