Should a regulated business adopt procedures in case a search warrant is served?
Yes. As an example, when special agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation or U.S. EPAs Criminal Enforcement Division execute a search warrant, they arrive armed and en masse, present the search warrant to the person at the front desk, and may have all the office or plant employees assembled in a conference or break room for the agents safety and to make sure no one deletes or destroys evidence. Employees may be scared or intimidated and will look for calm, direct guidance from management. What steps should the office manager take when law enforcement personnel arrive to execute a search warrant? 1. Determine who is the lead agent conducting the search. Ask for the agents name, title, agency, phone number, and business card. 2. Obtain a copy of the search warrant and read it. Determine the scope of the search. What are the areas to be searched? What specific items are to be seized? Has the warrant been signed by a judge? Does it list the correct address? 3. Notify counsel. The of
