Police to conduct warrantless searches across city
Police will have the power to stop and search people without a warrant in designated areas as part of an effort to improve security in a capital city, although advocacy groups have called it a gross overreach.
The declaration means police and protective service officers will carry out searches across inner Melbourne, including the CBD, Docklands, Southbank, sports precinct and parts of South Melbourne, from Sunday until 29 May 2026.
The move sparked concern in the community, with Inner Melbourne Community Legal warning the powers would infringe on civil liberties and the freedoms of people visiting the city.
Nadia Morales, the group’s chief executive, said the declaration was unprecedented and that it was “complete exaggeration”.
“What this means is that a police officer or protective services officer can stop and search anyone in and around the CBD at any time, no questions asked,” he said.
“A truly sad day for a city that claims to be the most livable city in the world.”
These powers will allow officers to search a person or vehicle without a warrant, including asking someone to remove their outer clothing or remove bags and items from their pockets.
Police may also conduct searches using an electronic wand or by hand search.
Ms. Morales said increased powers could target minorities and vulnerable or excluded groups.
“People who are randomly stopped by the police tell us it’s humiliating and makes them feel like they’ve done something wrong,” he said.
“Removing the need for police to suspect a person of a crime would remove the civil liberties, right to privacy and right to move freely of all Victorians who enter the CBD between these holidays until the end of Easter.”
It comes as research published by the Center Against Racial Profiling on Monday found that Aboriginal, African, Middle Eastern and Pacific Island communities were disproportionately targeted in searches.
Victoria Police has zero tolerance for racial profiling, a spokesman told AAP.
“Our officers are well trained to police based on a person’s behavior and not their background,” the spokesman said.
“If you’re not carrying a gun, you don’t have to worry.”
Police said the operation would be “an invaluable tool in assisting police” in removing guns from the streets as knife crime is on the rise in Victoria.
