What is this webinar about?
In recent years there has been much debate about police powers to stop, question and search people. In particular, there has been a spotlight on the use of strip-searches, and the negative impact they can have upon vulnerable people. It has become increasingly important for people to understand their rights when confronted with police.
This webinar outlines the powers that NSW police have to stop and search people on the streets, and the procedures they must follow. It also outlines the avenues for redress available to people who have been subjected to police misusing or abusing their powers.
Note: Due to the frequent changes in COVID Public Health Orders, this webinar will not cover police COVID powers. This workshop will be valuable to NSW community workers and volunteers who work with people who often have interactions with the police on the streets.
Presenter: Sophie Leaver, Solicitor, Redfern Legal Centre.
Where does this information apply?
The information below only applies to NSW (Australia) and was correct as of September 2021.
Recorded webinar
The Powerpoint file of this webinar in downloadable at the bottom of this page.
Watch the recording here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YUrpjObmLM
Legal information
- Police Powers and Your Rights (fact sheet) by The Shopfront Youth Legal Centre http://www.theshopfront.org/documents/Police_powers_and_your_rights_(updated_September_2017).PDF
- Police Powers (fact sheet) by Legal Aid
https://www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au/publications/factsheets-and-resources/police-powers - Strip Searches and Your Rights (fact sheet) by RLC https://rlc.spinstaging.com/publication/factsheet-no-4-strip-searches-and-your-rights
- Police Complaints Factsheet by RLC
COVID legal information
Legal advice
- Redfern Legal Centre runs a statewide police complaints practice. See our online form.
- Legal Aid Hotline for Under 18s – 1800 10 18 10, 9am to midnight weekdays, 24 hours on weekends
- The Shopfront Youth Legal Centre http://www.theshopfront.org/7.html
- Most community legal centres www.legalanswers.sl.nsw.gov.au/advice/about_clcs.html
- Legal Aid www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au/contact-us/legal-aid-nsw-offices
Powerpoint presentation
The Powerpoint file for this presentation, is below.
