QR&O: Volume II - Chapter 106 Warrants

Effective 1 january 2006, the official version of the QR&O is that published in PDF format on this website.

A consolidation of the QR&O volumes in official PDF version were made as of the 3 July 2019. The HTML version on this website is provided solely for the convenience of readers. Any discrepancies between the HTML and the official PDF version should be reported to the DSCS, Corporate Secretary.

The last modifications to the QR&O came into force on 20 June 2022.

Amendment List:

• 20 June 2022 – sub-heading before article replaced: 106.01
• 20 June 2022 – repealed articles: 106.01 to 106.03
• 20 June 2022 – repealed notes: 106.02
• 20 June 2022 – subparagraphs replaced: 106.09(2)(a) and (b)
• 20 June 2022 – subparagraph replaced: 106.09(3)(a)
• 1 September 2018 – subparagraphs amended: 106.09(2)(a) and (b)
• 1 September 2018 – paragraph amended: 106.09(9)
• 1 September 2018 – heading amended: 106.11 (English version only)
• 1 September 2018 – form amended: 106.11
• 1 June 2014 – Amended article note (D): 106.06
• 1 June 2014 – Amended article: 106.09
• 26 March 2009 – Replaced Article: 106.10
• 26 March 2009 – Replaced Article: 106.11
• 26 March 2009 – Amended Article: 106.12

History:

• ARCHIVED – Historical version for the period of 1 September 2018 to 19 June 2022
• ARCHIVED – Historical version for the period of 1 June 2014 to 31 August 2018
• ARCHIVED – Historical version for the period of 26 March 2009 to 31 May 2014
• ARCHIVED – Historical version for the period of 27 July 2000 to 25 March 2009

(G) [P.C. 1999-1305 effective 1 September 1999; P.C. 2022-0268 effective 20 June 2022 – Sub-heading and 106.01 are repealed]

(G) [P.C. 1999-1305 effective 1 September 1999; P.C. 2022-0268 effective 20 June 2022 – 106.02 is repealed]

(C) [1 September 1999; 20 June 2022 – Notes to 106.02 are repealed]

(G) [P.C. 1999-1305 effective 1 September 1999; P.C. 2022-0268 effective 20 June 2022 – 106.03 is repealed]

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Section 2 – Commanding Officer Search Warrants

106.04 – AUTHORITY TO CONDUCT SEARCHES

(1) An officer or non-commissioned member who conducts an investigation shall, in those cases where a search is considered necessary, consider whether a search warrant is required prior to conducting the search.

(2) Section 273.2 of the National Defence Act provides:

(G) [P.C. 1999-1305 effective 1 September 1999]

NOTES

(A) As a general rule most searches of the places mentioned in paragraph (2) of this article will require the authority of a search warrant. However, there are exceptions to that general rule, and the words “or the search is otherwise authorized by law” as they appear in paragraph (2) of this article refer to those exceptions. Searches with the consent of the occupant of the place to be searched and searches incidental to a lawful arrest are examples of some established exceptions.

(B) Members should bear in mind when considering the necessity of a search warrant that the object of a search is to obtain admissible evidence. Courts will tend to consider a search without a warrant, in circumstances where one should have been obtained, to be an unreasonable search contrary to section 8 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and may refuse to accept the evidence of the search. Consequently, where a doubt exists about the requirement for a search warrant, a representative of the Judge Advocate General should be consulted or a search warrant should be obtained.

(C) It is important to distinguish a search in accordance with this section, which is conducted for the purpose of collecting incriminating evidence of the commission of an offence, from inspections (see article 19.76 – Inspections in Accordance with Custom or Practice of the Service), searches while entering or exiting a controlled area (see article 19.77 – Searches as a Condition of Access to a Controlled Area) and searches and inspections pursuant to the Defence Controlled Access Area Regulations (DCAAR) (see QR&O Volume IV, Appendix 3.2). This section does not apply to inspections, access searches, or DCAAR searches and inspections, which are separately authorized. Where the purpose of obtaining entry into a place mentioned in paragraph (2) of this article is to seek evidence of the commission of an offence and that entry is not otherwise authorized by law (see Note (A)), a search warrant is required. Inspections, on the other hand, are conducted for, among other reasons, ensuring the maintenance of military standards of efficiency, kit and hygiene. If the purpose of entry into a place mentioned in paragraph (2) of this article is to inspect, for example the cleanliness of a barrack room, a search warrant is not required. Access searches and DCAAR searches are special varieties of searches conducted for the maintenance of security of defence establishments and do not require a search warrant.

(D) Where an officer or non-commissioned member is lawfully in a place mentioned in paragraph (2) of this article, the member may seize evidence of the commission of any offence when that evidence is in plain view.

(E) Inspections shall not be originated with the intent of seeking incriminating evidence in a place which would otherwise require a search warrant to be entered.

(C) [1 September 1999]

106.05 – ISSUANCE OF A SEARCH WARRANT BY A COMMANDING OFFICER

(1) Section 273.3 of the National Defence Act provides:

(2) Section 273.4 of the National Defence Act provides;

(3) Section 273.5 of the National Defence Act provides:

(G) [P.C. 1999-1305 effective 1 September 1999]

106.06 – INFORMATION FOR SEARCH WARRANT

(1) Every commanding officer who is authorized pursuant to this section to receive information for the purpose of issuing a search warrant has the power to administer an oath or affirmation to every informant from whom such information has been received.

(2) Information on oath or affirmation in support of a search warrant mentioned in this section shall be in writing and should be in the following form: (27 July 2000)

INFORMATION TO OBTAIN A SEARCH WARRANT

INFORMATION OF (service number and rank (if applicable), full name)

(occupation)

(base, unit or element (or address if civilian)

The informant declares that the informant has reasonable grounds for believing that the following things or some part of them

(describe in detail the things to be searched for and the offence in respect of which the search is to be made – see Notes (A), (B) and (C) to article 106.06 – Information for Search Warrant)

are contained in the following place: (description of place)

(see paragraph (1) of article 106.05 – Issuance of a Search Warrant by a Commanding Officer, and Note (A) to article 106.06)

of (owner or occupant of place)

at (complete address or location)

And the said informant further says that the grounds for so believing are that (state the grounds for the belief) (see Notes (B), (C) and (D) to article 106.06)

WHEREFORE the informant prays that a search warrant may be granted to search the said place for the said things.

Sworn [or affirmed] before me

at _____ in the _____ this _______ day of (month), (year)

(signature of informant)

(commanding officer)

(G) [P.C. 2000-1110 effective 27 July 2000]

NOTES

(A) The items to be seized must be described in the information and, subsequently, the search warrant, with sufficient detail to distinguish and identify them for the purposes of the search. The location to be searched should be described with sufficient accuracy to enable one, from the mere reading of it, to know what premises the warrant authorizes to be searched.

(B) Before a commanding officer may issue a search warrant, the information must contain a sworn or affirmed statement by the informant that satisfies the commanding officer that reasonable grounds exist for believing that the items sought are linked to:

(i) the location to be searched; and

(ii) a particular offence within the ambit of paragraph 273.3(a), (b) or (c) of the National Defence Act, which are referred to in paragraph (1) of article 106.05 (Issuance of a Search Warrant by a Commanding Officer).

(C) Although an informant who has received information from a confidential source need not reveal that source, a commanding officer must nevertheless have, before issuing a search warrant, sufficient information to be satisfied that reasonable grounds exist.

(D) Reasonable grounds may be derived from various sources of information. For example, the member of the military police who is the informant in the above example might have had first hand observations. The member may have come into possession of documentary evidence, such as a letter, which indicates that the evidence sought regarding the offence alleged in the information will be found in the place which the member desires to search. These examples are, of course, not exhaustive.

The law in respect of reasonable grounds for search warrants is complex and evolving. Accordingly, guidance should be sought from the unit legal adviser when completing the reasonable grounds portion of the Information to Obtain a Search Warrant form.

(E) The grounds upon which a commanding officer makes the decision to issue a search warrant must be contained in the information.

(C) [1 September 1999]

106.07 – FORM OF SEARCH WARRANT

(1) A search warrant referred to in this section shall be in writing and should be in Form A, hereunder, where directed to a member and in Form B, hereunder, where directed to a civilian peace officer: (27 July 2000)

FORM A
WARRANT TO SEARCH

(ISSUED TO MILITARY PERSONNEL)

TO (service number, rank, full name of officer or non-commissioned member)

and (if applicable, add full name of any civilian peace officers who will assist in the execution of the search)

WHEREAS it appears by information on the oath of (particulars of informant) of (base, unit or element, or address if civilian)

that there are reasonable grounds (see Notes (B), (C), (D) and (E) to article 106.06 – Information for Search Warrant) for believing that

(describe things to be searched for and offence in respect of which search is to be made – see Note (A) to article 106.06) are in the (description of place)

(see paragraph (1) of article 106.05 – Issuance of a Search Warrant by a Commanding Officer, and Note (A) to article 106.06)

of (owner or occupant of place)

at (complete address or location of place),

hereinafter called the premises.

THIS IS, THEREFORE, to authorize and require you, assisted by such other officers and non-commissioned members under your direction as are necessary, between the hours of ______ and _______ (as the commanding officer may direct – see paragraph (2) of article 106.07 – Form of Search Warrant) to enter into the said premises and to search for the said things and to bring them before me.

Dated this ______day of (month), (year)

at (location)

(commanding officer)

FORM B
WARRANT TO SEARCH

(ISSUED TO A CIVILIAN PEACE OFFICER)

TO (rank (if applicable), full name)

and (service number, rank, full name of all officers, non-commissioned members and civilian peace officers who will assist in the execution of the search)

WHEREAS it appears by information on the oath

of (particulars of informant)

of (base, unit or element, or address if civilian)

that there are reasonable grounds (see Notes (B), (C), (D) and (E) to article 106.06 – Information for Search Warrant) for believing that

(describe things to be searched for and offence in respect of which search is to be made – see Note (A) to article 106.06) are in the (description of place)

(see paragraph (1) of article 106.05 – Issuance of a Search Warrant by a Commanding Officer, and Note (A) to article 106.06)

of (owner or occupant of place)

at (complete address or location of place),

hereinafter called the premises.

THIS IS, THEREFORE, to authorize and require you, between the hours of _____ and _____(as the commanding officer may direct – see paragraph (2) of article 106.07 – Form of Search Warrant) to enter into the said premises and to search for the said things and to bring them before me.

Dated this ________day of (year), (year)

at (location)

(commanding officer)

(2) A commanding officer shall authorize a search warrant referred to in this section to be executed between 0800 and 2200 hours unless the commanding officer is satisfied that its execution outside those hours is necessary in the circumstances.

(G) [P.C. 2000-1110 effective 27 July 2000]

NOTES

(A) Where a search warrant is directed to an officer or non-commissioned member who is also a peace officer, Form A should be used and that person should be described as an officer or non-commissioned member, not as a peace officer. If a civilian peace officer will be assisting in the search, that officer must also be named in the warrant.

(B) Where a search warrant is directed to a civilian peace officer, Form B should be used. All other civilian peace officers and all officers and non-commissioned members who are to assist in the search must also be named in the warrant. A member who is also a peace officer should be described as an officer or non-commissioned member, not as a peace officer.

(C) [1 September 1999]

106.08 – EXECUTION OF SEARCH WARRANT

(1) Every person authorized to execute a search warrant referred to in this section may seize any thing mentioned in the search warrant and in addition to the things mentioned in the warrant, any thing that on reasonable grounds the person believes has been obtained by or has been used in the commission of an offence and shall carry as soon as practical any thing so seized before the commanding officer who issued the search warrant.

(2) Every person authorized to execute a search warrant referred to in this section may use such force, and obtain such assistance, as the person considers reasonably necessary to gain entry into the premises. (27 July 2000)

(G) [P.C. 2000-1110 effective 27 July 2000]

106.09 – DETENTION, RESTORATION AND DISPOSAL OF THINGS SEIZED

(1) For the purposes of this article, “restore” means, in relation to any thing seized pursuant to paragraph (1) of article 106.08 (Execution of Search Warrant), return to:

(a) the person from whom it was seized, if possession of it by that person would be lawful; or

(b) the person apparently entitled to it, if possession of it by the person from whom it was seized would be unlawful but possession by the person apparently entitled to it would be lawful.

(2) This article ceases to apply to any thing detained pursuant to subparagraph (3)(a), if:

(a) its restitution is ordered by a court martial under section 249.25 of the National Defence Act (see article 101.08 – Restitution of Property); or

(b) it is an exhibit submitted to a court martial (see article 112.82 – Return of Exhibits).

(3) Where pursuant to paragraph (1) of article 106.08 (Execution of Search Warrant) any thing seized is brought before the commanding officer who issued the search warrant, the commanding officer shall:

(a) direct that it be detained, if it is required for any investigation or for production as evidence before a court martial;

(b) direct that it be transferred to civil authorities for use as evidence before a civil court; or

(c) direct that it be restored or arrange for it to be disposed of under paragraph (9).

(4) Subject to paragraph (2), a commanding officer who is satisfied that any thing detained pursuant to subparagraph (3)(a) is no longer required for any purpose mentioned therein may direct that it be restored or arrange for it to be disposed of under paragraph (9).

(5) Any person entitled to lawful possession of any thing detained pursuant to subparagraph (3)(a) may apply to the commanding officer who directed it to be detained for an order pursuant to paragraph (4).

(6) Subject to paragraph (2) and unless continued detention is authorized pursuant to paragraph (7), a commanding officer shall, upon the expiration of a period of 90 days after the date of seizure, direct that any thing detained pursuant to subparagraph (3)(a) be restored or arrange for it to be disposed of under paragraph (9).

(7) An officer commanding a command may, upon application by a commanding officer prior to the expiration of a period of 90 days from the date of seizure, direct the continued detention of any thing detained pursuant to subparagraph (3)(a) for such additional period as the officer commanding a command considers necessary in the circumstances.

(8) An officer commanding a command may at any time review and vary an order under paragraph (7).

(9) Anything detained pursuant to subparagraph (3)(a) that is not restored pursuant to paragraph (4) or (6) or article 101.08 (Restitution of Property) may be disposed of in accordance with directions issued by the Minister or an officer designated by the Minister.

(G) [P.C. 1999-1305 effective 1 September 1999; P.C. 2014-0575 effective 1 June 2014 – (9); P.C. 2018-433 effective 1 September 2018 – (2)(a) and (2)(b); P.C. 2022-0268 effective 20 June 2022 – (2)(a), (2)(b) and 3 (a) are replaced]

(C) [1 September 2018 – (9)]

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Section 3 – DNA Warrants and Reports

106.10 – INFORMATION FOR OBTAINING A DNA WARRANT

An ex parte application for the purpose of subsection 196.12(1) of the National Defence Act shall be in the following form:

INFORMATION TO OBTAIN A WARRANT TO TAKE SAMPLES OF BODILY SUBSTANCES FOR THE PURPOSE OF FORENSIC DNA ANALYSIS

This is the information of (rank and name), a peace officer of (base, unit or territorial division), hereinafter called the “informant”, taken before me.

The informant says that he or she has reasonable grounds to believe:

The informant says that he or she has reasonable grounds to believe

(a) that (offence), a designated offence within the meaning of section 196.11 of the National Defence Act, has been committed;

(b) that a bodily substance has been found or obtained,

(i) at the place where the offence was committed,

(ii) on or within the body of the victim of the offence,

(iii) on anything worn or carried by the victim at the time the offence was committed, or

(iv) on or within the body of any person or thing or at any place associated with the commission of the offence;

(c) that (service number and rank (if applicable) and name), a person subject to the Code of Service Discipline, was a party to the offence; and

(d) that forensic DNA analysis of a bodily substance from (service number and rank (if applicable) and name) will provide evidence about whether the bodily substance referred to in paragraph (b) was from that person.

The reasonable grounds are:

The informant therefore requests that a warrant be issued authorizing the taking from (service number and rank (if applicable) and name) of the number of samples of bodily substances that is reasonably required for the purpose of forensic DNA analysis, provided that the person taking the samples is able, by virtue of training or experience, to take them by means of the investigative procedures described in subsection 196.2(1) of the National Defence Act and provided that, if the person taking the samples is not a peace officer, they take them under the direction of a peace officer.

Sworn to before me on (day / month / year) at (location).

(signature of informant)
(rank and name of informant)

(signature of military judge)
(rank and name of military judge)

(G) [P.C. 2009-0430 effective 26 March 2009]

NOTES

(A) The above form must be used where a peace officer appears personally before a military judge to request a warrant under subsection 196.12(1) of the National Defence Act.

(B) A peace officer who submits an information by means of telecommunication in written form should use the above form, with the additional information required under section 196.13 of the National Defence Act.

(C) [27 July 2000]

106.11 – DNA WARRANT

A DNA warrant for the purpose of section 196.12 or 196.13 of the National Defence Act shall be in the following form:

WARRANT AUTHORIZING THE TAKING OF SAMPLES OF BODILY SUBSTANCES FOR THE PURPOSE OF FORENSIC DNA ANALYSIS

To the peace officers of (base, unit or territorial division):

Whereas it appears on the oath of (rank and name), a peace officer of (base, unit or territorial division), that there are reasonable grounds to believe:

(a) that (offence), a designated offence within the meaning of section 196.11 of the National Defence Act, has been committed;

(b) that a bodily substance has been found or obtained,

(i) at the place where the offence was committed,

(ii) on or within the body of the victim of the offence,

(iii) on anything worn or carried by the victim at the time the offence was committed, or

(iv) on or within the body of any person or thing or at any place associated with the commission of the offence;

(c) that (service number and rank (if applicable) and name), a person subject to the Code of Service Discipline, was a party to the offence; and

(d) that forensic DNA analysis of a bodily substance from (service number and rank (if applicable) and name) will provide evidence about whether the bodily substance referred to in paragraph (b) was from that person.

And whereas, having regard to all relevant matters including the nature of the offence and the circumstances surrounding its commission, I am satisfied that it is in the best interests of the administration of military justice to issue this warrant and that there is a peace officer who is able, by virtue of training or experience, to obtain a bodily substance from the person or another person who is able by virtue of training or experience, to obtain under the direction of a peace officer, a bodily substance from the person;

Therefore, you are authorized to take from (service number and rank (if applicable) and name) or cause to be taken by a person acting under your direction, the number of samples of bodily substances that is reasonably required for the purpose of forensic DNA analysis, provided that the person taking the samples is able, by virtue of training or experience, to take them by means of the investigative procedures described in subsection 196.2(1) of the National Defence Act and provided that, if the person taking the samples is not a peace officer, they take them under the direction of a peace officer.

This warrant is subject to the following terms and conditions that I consider advisable to ensure that the taking of the samples is reasonable in the circumstances:

Dated on (day / month / year) at (place of issuance).

(signature of military judge)
(rank and name of military judge)

(G) [P.C. 2009-0430 effective 26 March 2009; P.C. 2018-433 effective 1 September 2018 – heading and form]

106.12 – REPORT BY PEACE OFFICER

A report for purposes of section 196.18 of the National Defence Act made by a peace officer who takes DNA samples of bodily substances, or directs another person to take them, shall be in the following form:

REPORT TO A MILITARY JUDGE OR THE COURT MARTIAL ADMINISTRATOR

[ ]* To (rank and name of military judge), a military judge who issued a warrant under section 196.12 or 196.13 or granted an authorization under section 196.24 of the National Defence Act or to another military judge:

[ ]* To the Court Martial Administrator in respect of an order made under section 196.14 of the National Defence Act:

*(check applicable option)

I, (rank and name of peace officer), have (state here whether the samples were taken under a warrant issued under section 196.12 or 196.13, an order made under section 196.14 or an authorization granted under section 196.24 of the National Defence Act).

I have (state here whether you took the samples yourself or caused them to be taken under your direction) from (service number and rank (if applicable) and name) the number of samples of bodily substances that I believe is reasonably required for the purpose of forensic DNA analysis, in accordance with (state whether the samples were taken under a warrant issued or an authorization granted by the military judge or another military judge or an order made by a court martial).

The samples were taken at (hours) on (day / month / year).

I (or state the name of the person who took the samples) took the following samples from (service number and rank (if applicable) and name) in accordance with subsection 196.2(1) of the National Defence Act and was able, by virtue of training or experience, to do so (check applicable box):

[ ] individual hairs, including the root sheath
[ ] epithelial cells taken by swabbing the lips, tongue or inside cheeks of the mouth
[ ] blood taken by pricking the skin surface with a sterile lancet

Any terms or conditions in the (warrant, order or authorization) have been complied with.

Dated on (day / month / year) at (location).

(signature of peace officer)
(rank and name of peace officer)

(G) [P.C. 2009-0430 effective 26 March 2009]

[106.13 to 106.99: not allocated]