Part 2: Prevention, investigation and prosecution of crime Chapter 3: Extraction of information from electronic devices Section 44 and Schedule 3: Authorised persons
Section 44 and Schedule 3 define "authorised persons" for the purposes of Chapter 3 of Part 2. The list of authorised persons set out in Schedule 3 covers law enforcement agencies and certain regulatory bodies. The Schedule recognises that an authorised person may contract with another person (for example, a forensic science provider) to extract information from an electronic device on their behalf.
	Schedule 3 is split into three parts, recognising the different responsibilities of the various bodies:
The persons listed in Part 1 of the Schedule may exercise the power under section 37(1) for all the purposes listed in subsection (2) of that section, and the power in section 41(1).
The persons listed in Part 2 of the Schedule may exercise the power in section 37(1) for all the purposes listed in subsection (2) of that section. They may not exercise the power in section 41(1).
Lastly, the persons listed in Part 3 of the Schedule may only exercise the power in section 37(1) for the purposes of preventing, detecting, investigating or prosecuting crime. They may not exercise that power for other purposes or the power in section 41(1)
	Subsections (4) and (5) confer a power on the Secretary of State, by regulations, to amend Schedule 3, including by adding or removing persons to/from the list.
	Subsection (6) requires the Secretary of State to consult Scottish Ministers before making changes to Schedule 3 to add, rename or remove a body that has functions that are within legislative competence of the Scottish Parliament.
	Subsection (7) requires the Secretary of State to consult the Department of Justice in Northern Ireland before making changes to Schedule 3 to add, rename or remove a body that has functions that are within legislative competence of the Northern Ireland Assembly.