Although Police officers have not certainly required powers of entry, search, seizure and arrest under the Act, it remains an offence to obstruct them.
Any water bailiff or other officer of the Agency, under a special order (which lasts for a maximum of 12 months) in writing from the authority, and any person appointed by the Secretary of State, under an order in writing from him (which also lasts for a maximum of 12 months), may at all reasonable times, for the purpose of preventing any offence against the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act 1975, enter, remain upon and traverse any lands adjoining or near to any waters.
[9] Where from a statement on oath of a water bailiff or any other officer of the Agency, or any person appointed by the Secretary of State, it appears to any justice of the peace that the person making the statement has good reason to suspect that any offence against the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act is being or is likely to be committed on any land situated on or near to any waters, the justice may by order under his hand authorise him, during a period not exceeding 24 hours to be specified in the order, to enter upon and remain on the land during any hours of the day or night for the purpose of detecting the persons committing the offence.
[10] Any justice of the peace upon an information on oath that there is probable cause to suspect any offence against the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act to have been committed on any premises, or any salmon, trout, freshwater fish or eels to have been illegally taken, or any illegal nets or other instruments to be on any premises, by warrant under his hand and seal may authorise any water bailiff or other officer of the Agency, or any person appointed by the Secretary of State, or any constable, to:[10] This type of warrant is only valid for one week.
A water bailiff and a person appointed by the Secretary of State shall be deemed to be a constable for the purpose of the enforcement of the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act 1975, or any order or byelaw under it, and to have all the same powers and privileges, and be subject to the same liabilities as a constable duly appointed has, or is subject to by virtue of the common law, or of any statute.
[17] Some water bailiffs have been issued with stab vests, expandable batons and handcuffs as a workplace safety measure.
[20][21] The GOV.UK blog website said: Volunteers that have demonstrated a strong commitment to the scheme and have the necessary skills, can apply to progress to the second phase.
If successful – and following more specialised training in conflict resolution and using legal powers – they will be issued with a warrant and the equipment to check rod licences.