Pennsylvania law Section 5745 outlines the procedures and conditions under which law enforcement can delay notifying a subject about a government investigation or warrant. It specifies who can authorize such delays and the circumstances that justify non-disclosure, such as endangering safety or jeopardizing an investigation. The law aims to balance effective law enforcement with protecting individual rights.
Delayed notice allows law enforcement to postpone informing a suspect about a warrant or investigation if revealing it could endanger safety or jeopardize the investigation.
A supervisory official, such as an investigative agent or chief prosecuting attorney, can apply to a court for an order to delay notification.
Notification can be delayed if it risks endangering life, allowing suspects to flee, destroying evidence, intimidating witnesses, or seriously hindering an investigation.
The court determines the appropriate delay period based on the circumstances, but it must be justified by the reasons outlined in the law.