The operation saw commuters subjected to humiliating searches behind ‘privacy screens’ at Sydney’s busiest train station. Ms Lee said that these types of operations are harming community relations with police.
RLC continues to hold grave concerns about increased police strip search activity in NSW. RLC is calling for changes to NSW strip-search laws in response to figures showing that police strip searches in NSW have increased by almost 50% over the past four years.
"There are some strict laws around how a strip search is supposed to be conducted... We are finding that a lot of these laws are not being adhered to," Samatha Lee told ABC 702.
"Under the law, a strip search is meant to be a last resort, it's not meant to be the first port of call. There are other general searches which are available to police, and they are only meant to conduct a strip search in exceptional circumstances," Samantha Lee said.
Redfern Legal Centre urges anyone who was subjected to a strip search at Central Station on Wednesday to make an immediate complaint to the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission or to contact RLC for free and confidential legal advice on 9698 7277.
For further info see: RLC's media release
See also: Making a police complaint
For further info about strip-search laws in NSW, visit www.safeandsound.org.au
