Commentary First Group of Parts – Discipline Part 3 – Powers of Arrest, Search and Entry Section 94: Property in possession of service police or CO
204.This section enables the Secretary of State to make provision by regulations as to the disposal of property which has come into the possession of a service policeman or a CO in connection with an investigation into a service offence. It is anticipated that the regulations will reflect provisions in the Police Property Act 1897 (as amended) which gives magistrates a wide power to make orders for the disposal of property.
205.Regulations made under this section may enable a service court or judge advocate either to order the return of property to the person appearing to be the owner or, if the owner cannot be found, to order its disposal as they see fit. The regulations may also allow the CO to determine to whom the property is delivered.
206.Regulations may also establish time limits after which a decision on disposal by a service court or judge advocate could not be challenged in civil proceedings. Such limits may not be imposed where a decision on a disposal is made by a CO.