Victoria Police Random Stop and Search Powers Explained 2026

Victoria police and protective services officers (PSOs) will soon have the power to randomly stop and search people for knives using handheld metal detectors, after the Labor government announced a backflip on its previous stance. The new powers, set to begin early next year, will see 1,200 extra metal-detecting wands deployed across the state. Premier Ben Carroll announced the policy on Wednesday, matching a commitment made by the Coalition opposition last year to introduce Queensland's Jack's Law.

What Are the New Stop and Search Powers?

Under the new legislation, police and PSOs will be able to use handheld metal detectors to search any person in a public place without reasonable suspicion. The police minister, Paul Edbrooke, described the powers as applying "anywhere, anytime." The move is a significant expansion of police authority in Victoria, which has traditionally required officers to have reasonable grounds before conducting a search.

The policy is named after Jack Beasley, a 17-year-old who was fatally stabbed in Surfers Paradise in 2019. His parents have advocated for the laws, which were first introduced in Queensland. However, criminologists and human rights advocates have warned that the measures are ineffective at reducing violent crime and may lead to civil liberties violations.

Why Is Labor Backflipping on This Issue?

The Victorian premier's announcement marks another policy reversal for the Labor government, which had previously resisted calls to adopt Jack's Law. The backflip comes amid mounting political pressure and a desire to appear tough on crime ahead of the next election. The opposition Coalition had already committed to introducing the powers, leaving Labor vulnerable to criticism if it did not match the pledge.

Despite the bipartisan support, experts argue that random stop and search powers do not deter knife crime. Sarah Schwartz, legal director of the Human Rights Law Centre, accused Carroll of "ignoring the evidence and caving into pressure in a race to the bottom to suppress democratic freedoms and human rights." She added that such powers give police unchecked authority to harass and target marginalised groups without improving community safety.

What Does the Evidence Say?

Research from other Australian states and international jurisdictions has consistently shown that random stop and search tactics have little impact on violent crime rates. A study by the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research found that similar powers in New South Wales did not reduce knife-related incidents. Instead, they disproportionately affected young people, Indigenous Australians, and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

Key Takeaways for Victorians

• Expanded police powers: Police and PSOs can search anyone in public without suspicion.
• Handheld metal detectors: 1,200 new wands will be deployed from early next year.
• Human rights concerns: Experts warn of potential harassment and targeting of marginalised groups.
• Limited evidence: Studies show random searches do not effectively reduce knife crime.

What Are Your Rights During a Stop and Search?

If you are stopped and searched under the new powers, you are not required to consent to the search, but refusing may lead to further police action. You have the right to ask for the officer's name and badge number, and to remain silent. It is advisable to stay calm and comply with instructions while noting any details of the encounter. If you believe your rights have been violated, you can lodge a complaint with Victoria Police or the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC).

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