From Monday 9 December 2024, NSW Police have new powers to use hand-held scanners to detect knives in specially designated public areas.
This does not mean police will have the power to scan people with metal detectors in any public place, all the time.
Where scanning may take place
The following places may be declared as designated areas:
- Public transport stations like train stations, bus stops and interchanges;
- Public transport vehicles including trains, buses, light rail and ferries;
- Shopping centres and shopping strips;
- Sporting venues and special events.
Police have to publish details of designated knife scanning areas on the NSW Police website. Designated areas can last for up to 12 hours at a time.
How scanning works
If you are in a designated knife scanning area, police officers will be able to:
- Require you to stop,
- Require you to let them use a hand-held metal detector on you by waving it close to your body and your belongings,
- If they detect a metal object, require you to show them what it is, then scan you again.
Police must:
- Have their body worn camera on when using their scanning powers
- Only detain you for as long as reasonably necessary
- Use the scanner in the least invasive way possible
- Tell you their name and place of duty, and give you a reason for any power they use (like stopping you, scanning you or searching you
Police may decide that they have reasonable suspicion to search you if they detect a metal object on you.
If police decide to search you or your belongings, you should stay calm, tell them you do not consent, but cooperate with their instructions.
If you are worried about the way you have been treated by police in a knife scanning area, or if you have been charged with an offence after being scanned for knives by police, contact the ALS for advice on 1800 765 767.