Seizures of mobile phones and other electronic equipment

A mobile phone often contains extensive details about all aspects of our lives, our movements, beliefs, contacts, and purchases. Computers contain similar amounts of information, often for both our work and our personal lives.
For police officers whose devices are seized, this can be particularly difficult. Loss of a phone or computer for an extensive period of time can also be crippling to the ability to conduct day to day business. In our experience, investigating bodies are particularly keen to seize devices from officers and routinely do so, often unlawfully or with significant coercion.

Clear and practical advice and guidance

At Taylor Law we have unparalleled experience and understanding of the laws surrounding the seizure of mobile phones and electronic equipment. We specialise in representing police officers and have decades of experience in acting for officers of all ranks.

Confiscation of mobile phones and electronic devices

If you are arrested, the police may have the power to seize your devices, although whether the seizure is lawful depends entirely upon the individual circumstances of your case. If the device is lawfully seized, they may retain any information that they recover from it for use in evidence. .
In some cases, the police may issue you with a requirement to disclose to them any password or PIN code to a device, under s49 of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 200. Assuming the request is lawful, failure to provide it within a reasonable period is serious criminal offence. It is therefore essential that you take legal advice if such a request is made of you. i .
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Instructing Taylor Law

We can advise and represent you in the event that you are suspected of an offence and the authorities are trying to remove or have removed your electronic devices. We have substantial experience in making representations for the prompt return of devices and, in some instances, we have taken action through the courts for injunctions to prevent access to them and have any data taken from them destroyed.

Contact us

At Taylor Law we are specialists in criminal defence and representing police officers across a range of allegations.
We have expert criminal defence and police law solicitors in Leeds, Middlesbrough and London who can act for you and provide genuinely expert advice, guidance and representation.
For an initial discussion, ring us on 0113 532 8100 (Leeds), 01642 221 108 (Middlesbrough) or 0203 780 7646 (London) or fill in our Contact Form.