# Search warrants by telephone, fax etc.

> act-s487ZD — as in force on 2026-06-04 — C2026C00232 · Compilation No. 171 — https://www.legislation.gov.au/C2026C00232/latest/text

487ZD Search warrants by telephone, fax etc.

               Application for search warrant
          (1) An authorised officer may apply to an issuing officer by telephone,
              fax or other electronic means for a search warrant under
              section 487ZC in relation to premises:
                (a) in an urgent case; or
                (b) if the delay that would occur if an application were made in
                    person would frustrate the effective execution of the warrant.
          (2) The issuing officer may require communication by voice to the
              extent that it is practicable in the circumstances.
          (3) Before applying for the search warrant, the authorised officer must
              prepare an information of the kind mentioned in
              subsection 487ZC(2) in relation to the premises that sets out the
              grounds on which the warrant is sought. If it is necessary to do so,
              the authorised officer may apply for the warrant before the
              information is sworn or affirmed.










               Issuing officer may complete and sign search warrant
          (4) The issuing officer may complete and sign the same search warrant
              that would have been issued under section 487ZC if the issuing
              officer is satisfied that there are reasonable grounds for doing so:
                (a) after considering the terms of the information; and
                (b) after receiving such further information (if any) as the issuing
                    officer requires concerning the grounds on which the issue of
                    the warrant is being sought.
          (5) After completing and signing the search warrant, the issuing officer
              must inform the authorised officer, by telephone, fax or other
              electronic means, of:
                (a) the terms of the warrant; and
                (b) the day on which, and the time at which, the warrant was
                    signed.

               Obligations on authorised officer
          (6) The authorised officer must then do the following:
               (a) complete a form of search warrant in the same terms as the
                   warrant completed and signed by the issuing officer;
               (b) state on the form the following:
                     (i) the name of the issuing officer;
                    (ii) the day on which, and the time at which, the search
                         warrant was signed;
               (c) send the following to the issuing officer:
                     (i) the form of search warrant completed by the authorised
                         officer;
                    (ii) the information referred to in subsection (3), which
                         must have been duly sworn or affirmed.
          (7) The authorised officer must comply with paragraph (6)(c) by the
              end of the day after the earlier of the following:
                (a) the day on which the search warrant ceases to be in force;
               (b) the day on which the search warrant is executed.










               Issuing officer to attach documents together
          (8) The issuing officer must attach the documents provided under
              paragraph (6)(c) to the search warrant signed by the issuing officer.