Public Transport Authority Act 2003

A security officer or member of the Police Force cannot carry out a search of a person under this Act unless of the same sex as the person searched.

If a security officer or member of the Police Force of the same sex as the person to be searched is not immediately available to carry out the search, a security officer or member of the Police Force may —

cause the search to be carried out, under the direction of a security officer or member of the Police Force, by another person of the same sex as the person to be searched;

detain the person for as long as is reasonably necessary for the person to be searched in accordance with this section; or

convey or conduct the person to a place where the person can be searched in accordance with this section.

Nothing in this Act authorises a search by way of an examination of a person’s body cavities.

A security officer or member of the Police Force may use any force that is reasonably necessary, and may call on any assistance necessary, in order to perform a function under this section.