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Media Release - Investigation of NSW Police Force strip search practices

Following a number of specific complaints and anecdotal information from a variety of community organisations, the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC) is investigating the use by police officers of powers to conduct strip searches under the Law Enforcement (Powers and Responsibilities) Act 2002 (LEPRA).

Media Release

29.10.2018

LECC INVESTIGATION OF NSW POLICE FORCE STRIP SEARCHES  

Following a number of specific complaints and anecdotal information from a variety of community organisations, the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC) is investigating the use by police officers of powers to conduct strip searches under the Law Enforcement (Powers and Responsibilities) Act 2002 (LEPRA).

Several private hearings have been conducted and it is expected in the coming weeks more will be held. The LECC is not only concerned with specific incidents which have given rise to complaints but also the relevant policies and training of officers to ensure that individual police officers who are faced with the difficult role of preventing and investigating crime do so in accordance with the law.

The LECC would like to hear from people who may have been the subject of strip searches in circumstances where they have concerns about whether the search was justified and the nature and extent of the search. More information about making a complaint can be found on the LECC website at www.lecc.nsw.gov.au.

Evidence will be obtained from relevant police officers about both practices and policies that apply to this area of the law. The Commissioner of Police has been advised of this investigation and the NSW Police Force will be represented at the hearings.

Background

The Law Enforcement Conduct Commission is an independent statutory body. The principal functions of the Commission are to detect, investigate and expose serious misconduct and serious maladministration within the NSW Police Force and the NSW Crime Commission. 

The Commission is separate from and completely independent of the NSW Police Force and NSW Crime Commission. The Commission will treat all information confidentially and has powers to protect persons who provide information to it.