The Act – Overview Investigators’ powers Section 23 Other investigatory powers
44.Subsection (1) sets out the investigatory powers being made available to an investigator. The investigator may take measurements and photographs, make recordings which are considered necessary for the investigation, obtain and take samples of any articles or substances found in or on the premises and of the air, water or land in or on the premises or in the vicinity.
45.The investigator also may dismantle or test (g)any article or substance found in the premises under investigation which appears to be the cause of the public health incident, but may not damage or destroy it unless necessary. Where this power is proposed to be used, the person responsible for the premises being investigated may request that the action be taken in the person’s presence. In addition, the investigator must consult appropriate persons on the premises to determine what dangers there may be in taking this action.
46.The investigator may ask for the production of any records (including electronic ones) which are necessary for the purposes of an investigation and inspect and take copies of the records. Such records includes those which may not be in the possession of the person but which it is reasonable to require the person to obtain for this purpose. The investigator may make such examination and investigation as may in the circumstances be necessary. Nothing in this section compels any person to produce a document which that person would be entitled to withhold on grounds of legal privilege.