Warrant and Search Powers for Persons Under 14 Years Old

Crimes Legislation Amendment Bill 2025

Assembly

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Official page: progress through parliament

Effects of this bill

If this bill passes, it means that:

Issuing officers can now grant warrants to search people under 14 years old; they must consider the child's best interests before doing so.
Police cannot stop, search or detain a person under 14 years old unless they have a warrant, a court order, or meet specific safety and investigation criteria.
Police can stop or search a person under 14 without a warrant if they believe the person is at least 14; they can also do so to prevent serious harm or to find evidence of a crime committed by someone else.
Police must not detain a person under 14 longer than necessary to check their age, stop harmful conduct or ensure safety.
Police can keep a person under 14 in detention only as long as needed to take them to a parent or a responsible caregiver.
Issuing officers can now grant warrants or enter premises in emergencies to prevent physical injury to a person; previously these powers only applied to offences.

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