[ Date Index ] [ Thread Index ] [ <= Previous by date / thread ] [ Next by date / thread => ]
Plain clothes members of Revenue & Customs (formerly Customs & Excise) who used to be known as Investigation Division I believe have been seconded to SOCA as well Simon Waters wrote: > Julian Hall wrote: > >> Simon Waters wrote: >> >>> Yes, as far as I'm aware NSPCC officers have no special legal status. >>> >>> >> Way off-topic now.. but .. RSPCA? >> > > Same again as far as I know. > > They have no special powers to enter property, or seize animals. > > They may seize animals without warrant, they just don't have specific > legal powers to do this. Then again prosecuting the RSPCA in this > country isn't likely to win you friends, and if the animals were (or > appeared to be) mistreated, they will no doubt plead they had a "legal > excuse". > > Generally you can turn away anyone who isn't an employee or agent of the > state from your door. Technically an "authorised person" under the > powers of entry legislation. > > The worst that is likely to happen is that a debt collector might add > the unsuccessful visit to the bill (which someone will end up paying - > possibly you). > > Planning Officers on the other hand, as local government employees, can > check up on your buildings. > > I'm not sure on the current rules on Customs Officers, since they became > Revenue and Customs, but the previous rules were pretty draconian > (Seizure of property on suspicion, entry to property on suspicion, etc). > I think the rules are now similar to those for police officers. > Curiously your paperwork is probably better protected than other > property - hmm wonder if this includes computers? > > Refusing access to some government employees can result in a fine. > > Of course in many cases, if you have nothing to hide, you are better of > letting RSPCA or NSPCC officers in (once you've check they are who they > say they are!). > > IANAL > > -- The Mailing List for the Devon & Cornwall LUG http://mailman.dclug.org.uk/listinfo/list FAQ: http://www.dcglug.org.uk/linux_adm/list-faq.html