Stopping, searching or detaining person under 14 years old for prevention of harm etc
252AC Stopping, searching or detaining person under 14 years old for prevention of harm etc
A police officer may exercise a power to stop, search or detain a person under 14 years old if the officer believes on reasonable grounds that—
the power is being exercised in relation to a person who is at least 14 years old; or
the person is at risk of engaging in, or has engaged in, any of the following conduct:
harm to themselves or someone else;
serious damage to property or the environment or cruelty to an animal;
any other serious or destructive behaviour; or
the exercise of the power is required to ensure the safety of the person.
In exercising the power, the police officer must not detain the person for longer than is necessary and reasonable to—
for subsection (1) (a)—determine that the person is under 14 years old; or
for subsection (1) (b)—prevent or stop the conduct; or
for subsection (1) (c)—ensure the safety of the person.
In this section:
serious or destructive behaviour includes conduct that is an offence punishable, on conviction, by imprisonment.
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