A. Upon sufficient showing that consent to an inspectorial search has been refused or is otherwise unobtainable within a reasonable period of time, an inspection officer may make application for an inspection order. Such application shall be made to a district court judge having jurisdiction over the premises or vehicle to be searched or an administrative official authorized by statute or ordinance to issue inspection orders.

B. The application shall be granted and the inspection order issued upon a sufficient showing that inspection in the area in which the premises or vehicles in question are located, or inspection of the particular premises or vehicles, is in accordance with reasonable legislative or administrative standards, and that the circumstances of the particular inspection for which application is made are otherwise reasonable. The issuing authority shall make and keep a record of the proceedings on the application, and enter thereon his finding in accordance with the requirements of this section.

C. The inspection officer executing the order shall, if the premises or vehicle in question are unoccupied at the time of execution, be authorized to use such force as is reasonably necessary to effect entry and make the inspection.

D. The officer conducting the search shall, if authorized by the issuing authority on proper showing, be accompanied by one or more law enforcement officers authorized to serve search warrants who shall assist the inspection officer in executing the order at his direction.

E. After execution of the order or after unsuccessful efforts to execute the order, as the case may be, the inspection officer shall return the order to the issuing authority with a sworn report of the circumstances of execution or failure thereof.

History: 1953 Comp., § 12-34-18, enacted by Laws 1973, ch. 359, § 18.

Cross references. — For constitutional provision relating to searches and seizures, see N.M. Const., art. II, § 10.