Commentary on Sections Powers Section 25: Search for unlawfully detained persons
71.This section allows members of the armed forces to enter and search any premises in order to search for any person whom they reasonably believe has been unlawfully detained and whose life is endangered. No warrant is to be required because time will be critical in these situations.
72.The section requires the power to search a dwelling to be exercised only if authorised by a commissioned officer. This recognises the special status of people’s homes: ‘dwelling’ is defined at section 42 of the Act.