Civilian enforcement officers (CEOs) are either employees or authorised officers of His Majesty's Courts & Tribunals Service and are responsible for enforcing magistrates' court orders. They can seize and sell goods to recover money owed under a fine and community penalty notice.[1] They also execute, in England and Wales, warrants of arrest, committal, detention and distraint (also called distress).[1] Members of approved enforcement agencies have the same powers as civilian enforcement officers, but are employed by private companies. Both are referred to as 'authorised officers' in law.
- ^ a b "About HM Courts & Tribunals Service". Hmcourts-service.gov.uk. 2011-04-01. Retrieved 2013-07-30.