What's New

^{Updated: Wednesday 19 November 2025}

New police powers to search for weapons

South Australia Police now have expanded powers to search people and their belongings for weapons in public places.

In March this year, law changes came into effect that granted police additional powers to search people for weapons using metal detectors at certain locations (such as declared public transport hubs and shopping precincts) or in certain circumstances (such as where there is a likelihood of violence or disorder involving weapons). Law changes also granted police greater power to order people to leave certain public areas if it is suspected that they pose a risk to public safety.

Police have recently issued a number of declarations in relation to these powers.

The Royal Adelaide Show was declared for the duration of the event (30 August to 7 September), meaning police could conduct metal detector searches on anyone in, entering or leaving the Show and their belongings.

In September and October police issued further declarations in relation to the following shopping precincts:

• Arndale Shopping Centre
• Burnside Village
• Colonnades Shopping Centre
• Elizabeth City Centre
• Hollywood Plaza Shopping Centre
• Marion Shopping Centre
• Munno Para Shopping Centre
• Parabanks Shopping Centre
• Rundle Mall, Rundle Street and Hindley Street
• Westfield Tea Tree Plaza Shopping Centre and Modbury Triangle Shopping Centre
• West Lakes Shopping Centre. 

This means police can stop anyone in, entering or leaving these shopping precincts and search them and their belongings using a metal detector.

Police may also order any person at one of these shopping precincts to leave the area if police believe they pose a risk to public order and safety. It is an offence to remain at the shopping precinct or return within 24 hours if ordered to leave. 

Most recently, police have announced that Schoolies Festival 2025 will be a declared public event from 6:00 pm Friday 21 November to 1:30 am Monday 24 November. Police may search anyone in, entering or leaving Warland Reserve, Victor Harbor for weapons and may direct people to leave if they pose a risk to public safety. 

A list of current declared events and places, along with maps, can be found on the SAPOL website. 

Read the Law Handbook page on police powers to search for weapons to learn more.

For free and confidential advice about your rights and police powers to search, call 1300 366 424 during business hours.