Warrant and Search Powers for Persons Under 14 Years Old
Crimes Legislation Amendment Bill 2025
Assembly
Links to official parliament websites
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.