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Aviation Transport Security Act 2004
95CScreening powers—frisk search general power
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#### 95C Screening powers—frisk search general power
(1) If a screening officer considers it necessary in order to screen a person properly, the screening officer may request the person to undergo a frisk search.
(2) If a screening officer conducts a frisk search following a request under subsection (1), the screening officer may conduct the search only to the extent necessary to complete the proper screening of the person.
(3) A screening officer must not:
(a) require a person to undergo a frisk search under this section; or
(b) conduct a frisk search of a person under this section without the person’s consent; or
(c) contravene subsection (2).
Penalty: 50 penalty units.
(4) Subsection (3) does not apply if the officer has a reasonable excuse.
> Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in subsection (4) (see subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code).
(5) Subsection (3) is an offence of strict liability.
> Note: For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.
(6) If:
(a) a screening officer requests a person to undergo a frisk search under subsection (1); and
(b) the person refuses to comply with the request; and
(c) the person refuses to undergo a frisk search in a private room; and
(d) the refusals mean that it is not possible to screen the person properly;
the screening officer must refuse to allow the person to pass through the screening point.
(7) A frisk search of a person in a private room as mentioned in paragraph (6)(c) must, if practicable, be conducted by a screening officer of the same gender as the person.