Searches at private premises
The police usually need a search warrant to enter and search private property.
They don’t need a warrantA document issued by a court directing an officer to take certain action. May be: a warrant of apprehension, directing that a person be arrested and brought before a court; a warrant of commitment, directing that a person be arrested and imprisoned; a warrant of distress, directing that a person's goods be seized to satisfy a debt; or a warrant of seizure and sale of real estate. if:
- You agree to the police entering
- The police have a reasonable belief that a serious offence will be or has been committed and entry is necessary to make an arrestTo take into custody.
- Entry is necessary to stop a breach of the peace
- There has been a breach of an intervention orderCourt order restraining a person from harmful or annoying conduct.
- The police are chasing someone who has escaped from custodyControl; e.g. when arrested and not free to leave; formerly, care and control of a child.
- The police have a warrantA document issued by a court directing an officer to take certain action. May be: a warrant of apprehension, directing that a person be arrested and brought before a court; a warrant of commitment, directing that a person be arrested and imprisoned; a warrant of distress, directing that a person's goods be seized to satisfy a debt; or a warrant of seizure and sale of real estate. for arrestTo take into custody.
- The police have a reasonable belief that illegal drugs are on the premises
See also What if ASIO visit