Ministry of Defence Police Act 1987
1987 c. 4An Act to make fresh provision for the Ministry of Defence Police.
Enacted[5th March 1987] I1
Be it enacted by the Queen’s most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons, in this present Parliament assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:—
1 The Ministry of Defence Police.¶
F182 Jurisdiction.¶
- “appropriate Gazette” means—
- in relation to land in England or Wales, the London Gazette;
- in relation to land in Scotland, the Edinburgh Gazette, and
- in relation to land in Northern Ireland, the Belfast Gazette;
- “ British Transport Police Force ” means the constables appointed under section 53 of the British Transport Commission Act 1949 (c. xxix);
- “Crown property” includes property in the possession or under the control of the Crown and property which has been unlawfully removed from its possession or control;
- “designated services” means services designated under subsection (1) of section 1 of the Dockyard Services Act M3 1986;
- “dockyard contractor” means a company which is a dockyard contractor as defined by subsection (13) of that section;
- “dockyard property” means property which—
- “headquarters”, “defence organisation” and “visiting force” mean respectively a headquarters, defence organisation or visiting force to which the Visiting Forces and International Headquarters (Application of Law) Order M4 1965, or any order replacing that Order, applies;
- “international defence property” means property which belongs to, is in the possession or under the control of or has been unlawfully removed from the possession or control of a headquarters, a defence organisation or the service authorities of a visiting force;
- “ordnance company” means a company in which there is for the time being vested any property, right or liability which has at some time been the subject of a transfer by virtue of a provision made under section 1(1)(a) of the Ordnance Factories and Military Services Act M5 1984;
- “ordnance property” means property which—
- “service authorities” means naval, military or air force authorities;
- F26...
- “vessel” includes any ship or boat or any other description of vessel used in navigation.
F20 2A Provision of assistance to other forces¶
- “ British Transport Police Force ” has the same meaning as in section 2 above;
- “ chief officer ” means—
- the chief officer of the police force for any police area;
- the chief constable of the Police Service of Scotland;
- the Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland;
- the Chief Constable of the British Transport Police Force; or
- the Chief Constable of the Civil Nuclear Constabulary;
- “ relevant force ” means—
- the police force for any police area;
- the Police Service of Scotland;
- the Police Service of Northern Ireland;
- the British Transport Police Force; or
- the Civil Nuclear Constabulary. F29 ...
- F29...
F22 2B Constables serving with other forces¶
- “ British Transport Police Force ” has the same meaning as in section 2 above;
- “ chief officer ” means—
- any chief officer of police of a police force for a police area in England and Wales;
- the chief constable of the Police Service of Scotland;
- the chief constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland;
- the Director General of the National Criminal Intelligence Service;
- the Director General of the National Crime Squad;
- the chief constable of the British Transport Police Force; or
- the chief constable of the Civil Nuclear Constabulary;
- “ relevant force ” means—
- any police force for a police area in England and Wales;
- the Police Service of Scotland;
- the Police Service of Northern Ireland;
- the National Criminal Intelligence Service;
- the National Crime Squad;
- the British Transport Police Force; or
- the Civil Nuclear Constabulary.
2C Constables serving with National Crime Agency¶
2D Exercise of powers and privileges in Scotland¶
2E Exercise of functions in relation to children under the Scottish age of criminal responsibility¶
3 Defence Police Federation.¶
3A Regulations relating to disciplinary matters¶
4 Representation etc. at disciplinary proceedings ¶
- “the officer concerned”, in relation to proceedings within subsection (1)(a), means the member or, as the case may be, the former member of the Ministry of Defence Police to whom the proceedings relate;
- “the panel”, in relation to proceedings within subsection (1)(a), means the panel of persons, or the person, prescribed for the purpose of conducting the proceedings;
- “prescribed” means prescribed by regulations under this section;
- “relevant authority” means—
- where the officer concerned is a member of the Ministry of Defence Police (other than a senior officer), the chief constable for the Ministry of Defence Police;
- where the officer concerned is a former member of the Ministry of Defence Police who immediately before ceasing to be such a member was not a senior officer, the chief constable for the Ministry of Defence Police;
- where the officer concerned is a senior officer, the Ministry of Defence Police Committee;
- where the officer concerned is a former member of the Ministry of Defence Police who immediately before ceasing to be such a member was a senior officer, the Ministry of Defence Police Committee;
- “relevant lawyer” means—
- in relation to England and Wales, a person who, for the purposes of the Legal Services Act 2007, is an authorised person in relation to an activity which constitutes the exercise of a right of audience (within the meaning of that Act), and
- in relation to Scotland or Northern Ireland, counsel or a solicitor;
- “senior officer” means a member of the Ministry of Defence Police holding a rank above that of chief superintendent.
4A Appeals against dismissal etc.¶
- “police appeals tribunal” means a tribunal constituted in accordance with regulations under this section;
- “relevant lawyer” has the same meaning as in section 4.
- “senior officer” has the same meaning as in section 4.
4B Functions of inspectors of constabulary¶
- “ the inspectors of constabulary ” means Her Majesty’s Inspectors of Constabulary appointed under section 54 of the Police Act 1996 (c. 16);
- “ the Scottish inspectors ” means the inspectors of constabulary appointed under section 71 of the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012.
4C Publication of reports¶
5 Impersonation etc.¶
6 Causing disaffection.¶
Any person who causes, or attempts to cause, or does any act calculated to cause, disaffection amongst the members of the Ministry of Defence Police, or induces or attempts to induce, or does any act calculated to induce, any member of the Ministry of Defence Police to withhold his services or to commit breaches of discipline, shall be guilty of an offence and liable—6A Powers to make regulations¶
Any power of the Secretary of State under this Act to make regulations shall include power to make different provision for different purposes.7 Consequential amendments and repeals.¶
8 Short title, commencement and extent.¶
Footnotes
- I1Act not in force at Royal Assent see s. 8(2); Act wholly in force at 5.5.1987
- M11923 c. 11.
- F1Words in s. 1(2)(a) substituted (22.8.1996) by 1996 c. 16, ss. 103(1), 104(1), Sch. 7 Pt. II para. 41
- F2Words in s. 1(2)(c) substituted (9.2.1999) by 1998 c. 32, s. 74(1), Sch. 4 para. 16; S.R. 1999/48, art. 3 (with art. 4)
- C1S. 2: s. 2(2) extended (25.9.1991) by Atomic Weapons Establishment Act 1991 (c. 46, SIF 8), ss. 1, 4(1), 6(2)
- F3S. 2(2)(d) repealed (14.12.2001 for E.W.N.I. and 7.1.2002 for S.) by 2001 c. 24, ss. 98(2), 125, 127(2)(i)(iii), Sch. 8 Pt. 6; S.I. 2001/4104, art. 2(a)(e)
- C2S. 2: s. 2(3) extended (25.9.1991) by Atomic Weapons Establishment Act 1991 (c. 46, SIF:8), ss. 1, 4(2), 6(2)
- F4Words in s. 2(3) repealed (14.12.2001 for E.W.N.I. and 7.1.2002 for S.) by 2001 c. 24, ss. 125, 127(2)(i)(iii), Sch. 8 Pt. 6; S.I. 2001/4104, art. 2(e)
- M21952 c. 67.
- F5S. 2(3)(ba) inserted (14.12.2001 for E.W.N.I. and 7.1.2002 for S.) by 2001 c. 24, ss. 98(3), 127(2)(e); S.I. 2001/4104, art. 2(a)
- F6S. 2(3A)-(3D) inserted (14.12.2001 for E.W.N.I. and 7.1.2002 for S.) by 2001 c. 24, ss. 98(4), 127(2)(e); S.I. 2001/4104, art. 2(a)
- F7Words in s. 2(4) substituted (14.12.2001 for E.W.N.I. and 7.1.2002 for S.) by 2001 c. 24, ss. 98(5)(a), 127(2)(e); S.I. 2001/4104, art. 2(a)
- F8Words in s. 2(4) repealed (14.12.2001 for E.W.N.I. and 7.1.2002 for S.) by 2001 c. 24, ss. 125, 127(2)(i)(iii), Sch. 8 Pt. 6; S.I. 2001/4104, art. 2(e)
- F9Words in s. 2(4) substituted (14.12.2001 for E.W.N.I. and 7.1.2002 for S.) by 2001 c. 24, ss. 98(5)(b), 127(2)(e); S.I. 2001/4104, art. 2(a)
- F10Definition of “British Transport Police Force” in s. 2(5) inserted (14.12.2001 for E.W.N.I. and 7.1.2002 for S.) by 2001 c. 24, ss. 98(6)(a), 127(2)(e); S.I. 2001/4104, art. 2(a)
- M31986 c. 52.
- M4S.I. 1965/1536.
- M51984 c. 59.
- F11S. 4B inserted (1.10.2002) by Police Reform Act 2002 (c. 30), s. {80}; S.I. 2002/2306, art. 2(e)
- F12S. 4C inserted (1.10.2002) by Police Reform Act 2002 (c. 30), s. {80}; S.I. 2002/2306, art.2(e)
- M61947 c. 10.
- M71923 c. 11.
- M81965 c. 57.
- M91984 c. 59.
- M101986 c. 52.
- F13S. 2A inserted (14.12.2001 for E.W.N.I. and 7.1.2002 for S.) by 2001 c. 24, ss. 99, 127(2)(e); S.I. 2001/4104, art. 2(b)
- F14S. 2B inserted (1.10.2002) by Police Reform Act 2002 (c. 30), s. {78}; S.I. 2002/2306, art. 2(e)
- F15S. 3A inserted (9.3.2004) by Police Reform Act 2002 (c. 30), ss. 79(1), 108(2); S.I. 2004/636, art. 2
- F16S. 6A inserted (9.3.2004) by Police Reform Act 2002 (c. 30), ss. 79(4), 108(2); S.I. 2004/636, art. 2
- F17S. 1(5) substituted (9.3.2004) by Police Reform Act 2002 (c. 30), ss. 79(3), 108(2); S.I. 2004/636, art. 2
- F18S. 2 amended (1.7.2004) by Railways and Transport Safety Act 2003 (c. 20), Sch. 5 para. 4; S.I. 2004/1572, art. 3(jjj)
- F19Definition of “British Transport Police Force” in 2(5) (1.7.2004) ceases to have effect by virtue of Railways and Transport Safety Act 2003 (c. 20), Sch. 5 para. 4; S.I. 2004/1572, art. 3(jjj)
- F20S. 2A amended (1.7.2004) by Railways and Transport Safety Act 2003 (c. 20), Sch. 5 para. 4; S.I. 2004/1572, art. 3(jjj)
- F21Definition of “British Transport Police Force” in 2A(4) (1.7.2004) ceases to have effect by virtue of Railways and Transport Safety Act 2003 (c. 20), Sch. 5 para. 4; S.I. 2004/1572, art. 3(jjj)
- F22S. 2B amended (1.7.2004) by Railways and Transport Safety Act 2003 (c. 20), Sch. 5 para. 4; S.I. 2004/1572, art. 3(jjj)
- F23Definition of “British Transport Police Force” in 2B(3) (1.7.2004) ceases to have effect by virtue of Railways and Transport Safety Act 2003 (c. 20), Sch. 5 para. 4; S.I. 2004/1572, art. 3(jjj)
- F24S. 2(3A)(d) substituted (1.4.2005) by Energy Act 2004 (c. 20), s. 198(2), Sch. 14 para. 5(1)(a); S.I. 2005/877, art. 2(1), Sch. 1
- F25Words in s. 2(3B)(d) substituted (1.4.2005) by Energy Act 2004 (c. 20), s. 198(2), Sch. 14 para. 5(1)(b); S.I. 2005/877, art. 2(1), Sch. 1
- F26Definition of “United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority Constabulary” in s. 2(5) repealed (1.4.2005) by Energy Act 2004 (c. 20), s. 198(2), Sch. 23 Pt. 1; S.I. 2005/877, art. 2(1), Sch. 1
- F27Words in s. 2A(4) substituted (1.4.2005) by Energy Act 2004 (c. 20), s. 198(2), Sch. 14 para. 5(2)(a); S.I. 2005/877, art. 2(1), Sch. 1
- F28Words in s. 2A(4) substituted (1.4.2005) by Energy Act 2004 (c. 20), s. 198(2), Sch. 14 para. 5(2)(b); S.I. 2005/877, art. 2(1), Sch. 1
- F29Words in s. 2A(4) repealed (1.4.2005) by Energy Act 2004 (c. 20), s. 198(2), Sch. 23 Pt. 1; S.I. 2005/877, art. 2(1), Sch. 1
- F30Words in s. 2B(3) substituted (1.4.2005) by Energy Act 2004 (c. 20), s. 198(2), Sch. 14 para. 5(3)(a); S.I. 2005/877, art. 2(1), Sch. 1
- F31Words in s. 2B(3) substituted (1.4.2005) by Energy Act 2004 (c. 20), s. 198(2), Sch. 14 para. 5(3)(b); S.I. 2005/877, art. 2(1), Sch. 1
- F32Definition of “United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority Constabulary in s. 2B(3) repealed (1.4.2005) by Energy Act 2004 (c. 20), s. 198(2), Sch. 23 Pt. 1; S.I. 2005/877, art. 2(1), Sch. 1
- F33S. 7(3) repealed (1.4.2005) by Energy Act 2004 (c. 20), s. 198(2), Sch. 23 Pt. 1; S.I. 2005/877, art. 2(1), Sch. 1
- F34S. 7(4)(a) repealed (1.4.2005) by Energy Act 2004 (c. 20), s. 198(2), Sch. 23 Pt. 1; S.I. 2005/877, art. 2(1), Sch. 1
- F35S. 2C inserted (1.4.2006) by Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 (c. 15), s. 178(8), Sch. 4 para. 50; S.I. 2006/378, art. 4(1), Sch. para. 10
- F36Words in s. 2B(3) repealed (E.W.) (1.4.2006) by Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 (c. 15), s. 178(8)(8), Sch. 4 para. 49, 17 Pt. 2; S.I. 2006/378, art. 4(1), Sch. paras. 10, 13(s)
- C3S. 2(3)(ba) modified (E.W.) (1.10.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), s. 94(1), Sch. 6 para. 14 (with Sch. 13 para. 5); S.I. 2008/2504, art. 2(a)
- F37Words in s. 3(4) substituted (30.11.2009) by Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4), s. 153(7), Sch. 22 para. 13; S.I. 2009/3074, art. 2(r)
- F38S. 3A(1)(1A) substituted for s. 3A(1) (30.11.2009) by Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4), s. 153(7), Sch. 22 para. 14(2); S.I. 2009/3074, art. 2(r)
- F39S. 3A(2) substituted (30.11.2009) by Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4), s. 153(7), Sch. 22 para. 14(3); S.I. 2009/3074, art. 2(r)
- F40S. 4 substituted (30.11.2009) by Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4), s. 153(7), Sch. 22 para. 15 (with Sch. 27 para. 35); S.I. 2009/3074, art. 2(r)
- F41S. 4A substituted (30.11.2009) by Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4), s. 153(7), Sch. 22 para. 16 (with Sch. 27 para. 35); S.I. 2009/3074, art. 2(r)
- F42Words in s. 2(3)(ba) substituted (1.7.2011) by Bribery Act 2010 (c. 23), s. 19(1), Sch. 1 para. 1 (with ss. 16, 19(5)); S.I. 2011/1418, art. 2
- F43Words in s. 3A(1)(a) inserted (8.3.2012) by Armed Forces Act 2011 (c. 18), ss. 6, 32(3); S.I. 2012/669, art. 3(a)
- F44Words in s. 3A(1A) inserted (8.3.2012) by Armed Forces Act 2011 (c. 18), ss. 6, 32(3); S.I. 2012/669, art. 3(a)
- F45Words in s. 1(2)(b) substituted (1.4.2013) by The Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/602), art. 1(2), Sch. 2 para. 20(2)
- F46S. 2(3A)(aa) inserted (1.4.2013) by The Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/602), art. 1(2), Sch. 2 para. 20(3)(a)
- F47S. 2(3B)(aa) inserted (1.4.2013) by The Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/602), art. 1(2), Sch. 2 para. 20(3)(b)
- F48Words in s. 2(3C) inserted (1.4.2013) by The Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/602), art. 1(2), Sch. 2 para. 20(3)(c)
- F49Words in definition of “chief officer” in s. 2A(4) inserted (1.4.2013) by The Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/602), art. 1(2), Sch. 2 para. 20(4)(a)
- F50Words in definition of “relevant force” in s. 2A(4) inserted (1.4.2013) by The Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/602), art. 1(2), Sch. 2 para. 20(4)(b)
- F51Words in definition of 'chief officer' in s. 2B(3) substituted (1.4.2013) by The Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/602), art. 1(2), Sch. 2 para. 20(5)(a)(i)
- F52Words in definition of 'chief officer' in s. 2B(3) inserted (1.4.2013) by The Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/602), art. 1(2), Sch. 2 para. 20(5)(a)(ii)
- F53Words in definition 'relevant force' in s. 2B(3) substituted (1.4.2013) by The Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/602), art. 1(2), Sch. 2 para. 20(5)(b)(i)
- F54Words in definition of 'relevant force' in s. 2B(3) inserted (1.4.2013) by The Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/602), art. 1(2), Sch. 2 para. 20(5)(b)(ii)
- F55Words in s. 4B(6) substituted (1.4.2013) by The Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/602), art. 1(2), Sch. 2 para. 20(7)
- F56Words in s. 4A(1)(b) substituted (1.4.2013) by The Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/602), art. 1(2), Sch. 2 para. 20(6)
- F57Words in s. 2C substituted (7.10.2013) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(2), Sch. 8 para. 31(2); S.I. 2013/1682, art. 3(v)
- F58Words in s. 2C(1) substituted (7.10.2013) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(2), Sch. 8 para. 31(3)(a); S.I. 2013/1682, art. 3(v)
- F59Words in s. 2C(2)(a) substituted (7.10.2013) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(2), Sch. 8 para. 31(4); S.I. 2013/1682, art. 3(v)
- F60Words in s. 2C(1)(a) substituted (7.10.2013) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(2), Sch. 8 para. 31(3)(b); S.I. 2013/1682, art. 3(v)
- F61Ss. 3A(1B)-(1H) inserted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 15.12.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), s. 183(1)(5)(e), Sch. 7 para. 2(2); S.I. 2017/1139, reg. 2(b) (as amended by S.I. 2017/1162, reg. 2)
- F62Words in s. 3A(2) substituted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 15.12.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), s. 183(1)(5)(e), Sch. 7 para. 2(3); S.I. 2017/1139, reg. 2(b) (as amended by S.I. 2017/1162, reg. 2)
- F63Words in s. 4(4) inserted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 15.12.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), s. 183(1)(5)(e), Sch. 7 para. 3(a); S.I. 2017/1139, reg. 2(b) (as amended by S.I. 2017/1162, reg. 2)
- F64Words in s. 4(4) inserted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 15.12.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), s. 183(1)(5)(e), Sch. 7 para. 3(b)(i); S.I. 2017/1139, reg. 2(b) (as amended by S.I. 2017/1162, reg. 2)
- F65Words in s. 4(4) inserted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 15.12.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), s. 183(1)(5)(e), Sch. 7 para. 3(b)(ii); S.I. 2017/1139, reg. 2(b) (as amended by S.I. 2017/1162, reg. 2)
- F66Words in s. 4A(1)(a) inserted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 15.12.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), s. 183(1)(5)(e), Sch. 7 para. 4; S.I. 2017/1139, reg. 2(b) (as amended by S.I. 2017/1162, reg. 2)
- F67Words in s. 3A(1B)(a) substituted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 8.1.2018 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), s. 183(1)(5)(e), Sch. 9 para. 63(2); S.I. 2017/1249, reg. 2 (with reg. 3)
- F68Words in s. 3A(1F) substituted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 8.1.2018 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), s. 183(1)(5)(e), Sch. 9 para. 63(2); S.I. 2017/1249, reg. 2 (with reg. 3)
- F69Words in s. 3A(1G) substituted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 8.1.2018 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), s. 183(1)(5)(e), Sch. 9 para. 63(2); S.I. 2017/1249, reg. 2 (with reg. 3)
- F70Words in s. 4(5)(a) substituted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 8.1.2018 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), s. 183(1)(5)(e), Sch. 9 para. 63(3); S.I. 2017/1249, reg. 2 (with reg. 3)
- F71S. 2D inserted (25.1.2018) by The Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2016 (Consequential Provisions) Order 2018 (S.I. 2018/46), art. 2(2)(a)(f), Sch. 2 para. 1 (with art. 6)
- F72S. 2E inserted (17.12.2021) by The Age of Criminal Responsibility (Scotland) Act 2019 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2021 (S.I. 2021/1458), arts. 1(1), 17
- F73S. 4A(4A) inserted (29.4.2026 for specified purposes) by Crime and Policing Act 2026 (c. 20), ss. 204(9)(c), 255(1)(2)(h)
- F74S. 4A(1)(aa)-(ad) inserted (29.4.2026 for specified purposes) by Crime and Policing Act 2026 (c. 20), ss. 204(9)(a), 255(1)(2)(h)
- F75Words in s. 4A(2) substituted (29.4.2026 for specified purposes) by Crime and Policing Act 2026 (c. 20), ss. 204(9)(b), 255(1)(2)(h)
- F76Words in s. 4A(7) inserted (29.4.2026 for specified purposes) by Crime and Policing Act 2026 (c. 20), ss. 204(9)(d), 255(1)(2)(h)