INTERCEPTION OF COMMUNICATIONS AND SURVEILLANCE ORDINANCE PART 3—Division 4 3-18 Section 20 Cap. 589 Division 4—Emergency Authorizations Issue of emergency authorizations 20. Application for emergency authorization for interception or Type 1 surveillance in case of emergency (1) An officer of a department may apply to the head of the department for the issue of an emergency authorization for any interception or Type 1 surveillance to be carried out by or on behalf of any of the officers of the department, if he considers that— (a) there is immediate need for the interception or Type 1 surveillance to be carried out by reason of an imminent risk of— (i) death or serious bodily harm of any person; (ii) substantial damage to property; (iii) serious threat to public security; or (iv) loss of vital evidence; and (b) having regard to all the circumstances of the case, it is not reasonably practicable to apply for the issue of a judge’s authorization for the interception or Type 1 surveillance. (2) The application is— (a) to be made in writing; and (b) to be supported by a statement in writing made by the applicant which is to— (i) set out the reason for making the application; and (ii) comply with the requirements specified in Part 1 or 2 of Schedule 3 (as may be applicable) which Last updated date 24.6.2016