Law Enforcement (Powers and Responsibilities) Act 2002

A police officer who, in exercising a function conferred by or under this Act, seizes a thing or has custody of other property to which this Division applies must return the thing to the owner or person who had lawful possession of the thing before it was seized or came into custody if the officer is satisfied that—

its retention as evidence is not required, and

it is lawful for the person to have possession of the thing.

This section is subject to any order made under section 219.