New Knife Searching Powers Sought for Police in NSW

Multiple unions are calling for the right for police to use metal detectors to search people without a warrant.

Armed police patrol outside the Westfield Bondi Junction shopping mall after a stabbing incident in Sydney on April 13, 2024. David Gray/ AFP via Getty Images

New South Wales (NSW) unions are calling for new police “wanding” powers to search for knives in public.

Police would have the ability to use metal detectors to search people without a warrant under the new powers being sought by unions representing police, health, and retail workers.