Factsheet No. 1: FAQs About Police Powers

A police officer may search you if they suspect on reasonable grounds that you are in possession of stolen goods; dangerous goods or weapons; or illegal drugs. 

This factsheet answers questions including:

• How should I respond if I am approached by a sniffer dog?
• When can a police officer search me?
• What are police allowed to do when they search me?
• Do I have to give my name and address?
• What is bail?
• What happens if I breach my bail conditions?
• How do I make a complaint about police?

Download