Can I be searched on the way into a stadium?

Yes. A peace officer (as defined in the Criminal Procedure Act, which includes police officials) may search you, and any vehicle or container you control, when you enter a stadium or venue, looking for prescribed prohibited or restricted objects or substances, and can seize anything prohibited they find (s20(2)). The organiser or stadium owner may appoint peace officers in writing to be in charge of searches and seizures at the event (s20(1)).

To do this, a peace officer may ask you to (s20(4)):

• produce and open any bag, container or item you bring in
• be searched by a peace officer of the same gender
• be screened by an electronic search or scanning device
• allow your belongings, including your vehicle, to be physically or electronically scanned

Along a route (for example a road race), an access control officer who reasonably suspects you have a prohibited item can ask a police official at the event to search you (s20(3)).

If you refuse, you can be refused entry or asked to leave the stadium, venue or route (s20(6)-(7)).

Officers doing access control or searches must display an accreditation card showing their appointment (s20(5)).