Article 16 Applications for authorisation to collect debts not constituted by decree

A sheriff principal may, on the application of a sheriff officer who has his principal place of business in the sheriffdom and holds a commission from the sheriff principal, authorise that sheriff officer for remuneration to collect or be engaged in the collection of debts not constituted by decree on such conditions as the sheriff principal may consider appropriate.

An application by a sheriff officer under paragraph (1) above shall be made in writing and shall disclose any material interest held by the sheriff officer, a member of his family or a business associate in any organisation on behalf of which he seeks authority to collect debts.

Where a sheriff officer, a member of his family or a business associate acquires an interest mentioned in paragraph (2) above, after authorisation under paragraph (1), above, and intends to collect debts not constituted by decree on behalf of that organisation, the sheriff officer shall make a further application to the sheriff principal under paragraph (1) above.