Activist Rights

Random stop and search powers

Estimated reading: 1 minute

Police have special powers if they think you:

  • might have just committed a terrorist act,
  • might be committing a terrorist act, or
  • might be about to commit a terrorist act.”

These special powers include being able to:

  • stop you,
  • ask you your name, address, proof of who you are,
  • ask why you are in the area/ at a place,
  • search you or your vehicle or anything under your control (like your bag).

Failure to cooperate or provision of a false answer may lead to a substantial fine.

If the Attorney-General believes that an area of any size is to be deemed a security zone for up to 28 days, then that can be declared by the Attorney-General on the ground of preventing a terrorist act occurring in or responding to a terrorist act that has occurred.

The search power of the police acting under the counter terrorism law is far wider than search powers otherwise apply where a reasonable suspicion is required.

Share this Doc
CONTENTS