High Court Enforcement Officers (HCEOs): The Law
This page provides key statutory references and procedural regulations governing High Court Enforcement Officers (HCEOs).
- Schedule 12 of the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007 defines procedures for taking control of goods.
- Schedule 7 of the Courts Act 2003 outlines the rules for enforcement of certain writs and warrants.
- Part 30 of the Civil Procedure Rules deals with the transfer of claims to the High Court.
- Section 99 of the Courts Act 2003, and Schedule 7 Paragraph 5 require police officers to assist an HCEO in executing writs. However, this does not enable HCEOs to break into homes or commit offences against a debtor. Examples of offences include fraud and criminal damage. Police may only lawfully force entry in connection with crime and often need reminding of this limitation.