Part 3: Unmanned aircraft Entering and searching premises under warrant Policy Background
Offences specific to UA in the ANO 2016 are summary only offences, and therefore existing entry and search powers which exist for indictable offences cannot be used. In the consultation "Taking Flight: The Future of Drones in the UK", this power was discussed as a means to address this gap so that the police are able to adequately investigate offences relating to UA. Putting in place a warrant process provides an additional safeguard against potential misuse of this power by involving the independent judgement of a justice of the peace in England and Wales, a justice of the peace, a summary sheriff or a sheriff in Scotland, or a lay magistrate in Northern Ireland, necessitating the police to justify their case for a warrant to them.