Part 3: Enforcement Section 52: Seizure of nationality documents by detainee custody officers etc
This section permits detainee custody officers, prison officers and prisoner custody officers to seize and retain nationality documents which they encounter during routine searches as part of the management of detention facilities and prisons. Officers must obtain authorisation from the Secretary of State before exercising the power to retain the document. Where the Secretary of State gives such authorisation, the officers must pass the documents to the Secretary of State, or, if authorisation is refused, return the documents to the person or location from where they were seized.