Stop and search
1 2
If the police suspect someone of possessing illegal drugs, or their importation or production, they have the power to determine whether grounds exist for a search.
Personal searches
A search without consent may only be carried out by the police on grounds of 'reasonable suspicion', such as suspicious behaviour or a tip-off. If so, the police must:
- Identify themselves;
- Identify grounds for suspicion;
- Explain exactly what they're looking for;
- Inform the suspect that they will be able to see a copy of the record of the search within a year.
A public search should only consist of a basic inspection of outer clothing (which can include turning out your pockets). Police can take a suspect to the station without a formal arrest in order to conduct a more detailed search. Intimate searches of body orifices must be conducted by a doctor or nurse in a hospital of clinic, but only with written authority from a police superintendent.
1 2