New police powers to detain during searches

Territory police are to get stronger search powers under legislation to be introduced to Parliament today.

Police Minister Paul Henderson said the Police Administration Act 2004 would strengthen police powers to seize drug precursors and drug manufacturing equipment when executing a search warrant for illicit drugs.

He said the changes would also allow police to temporarily detain people found at premises during a non-drug search warrant.

"This move will limit the challenges faced by police in carrying out searches," Mr Henderson said.

"This includes preventing suspects tipping off associates and reducing the risk of evidence being taken away from the scene unlawfully."

He said the laws would extend existing legislation to other searches.

"This power already exists in relation to search warrants issued for illicit drugs - this legislation will correct the anomaly that means it currently does not apply to non-drug related searches," he said.

Newshawk: http://www.tuf.org.au
Pubdate: 02nd December 2004
Source: Northern Territory News
Website: http://www.ntnews.com.au
Email: ntnmail@ntn.newsltd.com.au
Copyright: 2004 Northern Territory News