Investigatory Powers Urgent warrant process
Provisions in the IPA create a procedure for urgent warrants. This allows for later authorisation by a Judicial Commissioner within three working days of the warrant being issued. Such urgent warrants only last for a maximum period of five working days unless renewed.
	The Act creates a regulation-making power to enable the timespan of an urgent warrant to be varied at the request of the Investigatory Powers Commissioner, extending the period for later Judicial Commissioner authorisation and the lifespan of the warrant for up to 12 working days. This ensures that impacts on the warranty process from the pandemic can be mitigated and ensures the safeguard of judicial approval within the lowest possible time frame after a warrant is issued continues, and will mean the agencies are able to maintain their ability to protect national security and prevent serious crime during a period of potential widespread upheaval.