[3] Current approved agencies, which are included on the list, are as follows:[4] The powers of 'authorised officers' derive from the Magistrates' Courts Act.
[2][3] They may execute any warrant of arrest, commitment, detention or distress issued by a justice of the peace:[2][3] The power to make orders above shall be exercisable by statutory instrument which shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.
Where a warrant has been executed by a civilian enforcement officer, a written statement indicating:[2] shall, on the demand of the person arrested, committed or detained or against whom distress is levied, be shown to them as soon as practicable.
An authorised officer may enter and search any premises for the purpose of executing a warrant of arrest, commitment or detention issued in proceedings for or in connection with any criminal offence.
[5] An authorised officer may enter and search any premises for the purpose of executing a warrant of distress issued under section 76 of the Magistrates' Courts Act for default in paying a sum adjudged to be paid by a conviction.