SAPOL search powers expanded
Note: Updated October 2025
Laws that came into effect on 12 May 2025 have expanded the powers of South Australia Police (SAPOL) to search people for weapons — especially in public spaces, licensed venues, transport hubs, and declared high-risk areas.
Here’s what’s changed, what it means for you, and when police can use metal detectors under the Summary Offences Act 1953 (SA).
When Can Police Search You for Weapons?
1. In Areas Where Serious Violence Might Happen
If SAPOL believes a violent incident involving groups could occur in a specific area, a senior officer (Superintendent or above) can authorise special search powers for up to 24 hours.
During that period, police can:
Search anyone in, entering, or leaving that area
Search bags and belongings
Use metal detectors to check for weapons
2. In Public Places Where Trouble Might Break Out
If there are fears of violence or disorder in a public area, the Commissioner of Police can authorise searches for up to 6 hours.
Police may:
Use metal detectors on anyone entering, exiting, or already in the area
Ask people to show any metal objects detected
Conduct a fuller search if a person refuses
Police can also use metal detectors on anyone in a public place who:
Has been convicted of a violent or weapons-related offence in the past 5 years
Has been a member of a criminal gang in the past 5 years
Is identified in regulations as subject to search
These powers extend to the person’s property, including backpacks, handbags, and other belongings.
Where Can Police Use These Powers?
Police can search people (and their belongings) with metal detectors in, entering, or leaving the following locations:
Bars and clubs (licensed venues)
Places of worship (if declared)
Public events (if declared)
Shopping centres (if declared)
Public transport hubs and vehicles (train or bus stations, buses, trains, etc.)
Car parks attached to these locations
Any other area listed in regulations
Police must usually notify a manager or organiser before conducting searches — except at licensed venues.
Police Can Also:
Order someone to leave if they believe the person may commit an offence or pose a safety risk
Penalty: $1,250 fine
Use reasonable force to remove someone who refuses to leave
Charge anyone who obstructs a search or refuses to comply
Penalty: Up to $2,500 fine or 6 months imprisonment
Most searches will involve metal detectors, and a full physical search is only allowed if:
Metal is detected, and
The person refuses to hand over the item voluntarily.
Update (September 2025): Impact on Young People
Recent reporting by the ABC highlights how these expanded knife-search powers are affecting young people and raising concerns about potential over-policing. (Read more at abc.net.au)
Over one weekend, SAPOL conducted 1,692 metal-detector searches at Burnside Village under declared precinct powers.
Knives were seized from several people, including teenagers aged 15 and 17.
South Australia’s Guardian for Children and Young People, Shona Reid, cautioned that while community safety is vital, enforcement must be balanced with protecting children’s rights. She warned the new powers could “create a pathway to a youth detention centre” if used without care.
Reid called for education and community engagement so that young people understand the knife laws and why police are using these measures.
These early results show both the reach of SAPOL’s search powers and the need for safeguards when applied to minors. Lawful use, transparency, and community education remain critical to maintaining public confidence.
Know Your Rights
These laws aim to reduce weapon-related violence, but they also mean you could be searched at crowded events or declared public areas.
If you’re unsure whether a police search was lawful — or feel your rights were breached — you can:
Ask the officer to explain under what authority the search is being done
Request a record of the search
Seek independent legal advice
Need advice?
If you’ve been searched by SAPOL or have concerns about the new laws or how a search was conducted, you can contact us for a confidential conversation.
(This OYBlog was created with AI assistance using verified legal and media sources, including the Law Handbook SA and the ABC News report.)