Collecting evidence

maidhc

I'm not terribly familiar with how Gardaí go about collecting evidence, but could anyone tell me if a Garda can inspect the books of a company to ascertain if a suspect bought an item which was later used in a crime. For instance could they check the books of knife shop for the sale of a butchers knife to a Mr. J. Ripper?

Likewise can Gardaí request information from the CSO in relation to identifiable people? I know S32 of the Statistics Act 1993 provides: "All information furnished by a person, undertaking or public authority under this Act shall be used only for statistical compilation and analysis purposes.", but is there something else which gives them the right of access for the prevention and detection of crime.

Our man in Havana

If the Gardai have a properly issued search warrant they can inspect the relevant books.

In relation to the CSO, the Gardai or anyone else cannot request info from then for non statistical purposes.

Eru

Oh wow this is a long one. Too long to answer fully but a quick answer, Gardai can inspect and seize any and all objects which they have reason to believe may be evidence or assist in an investigation.

Its when and whats needed that gets complicated, I can seize certain items without a warrant under certain circumstances.