Abstract
A Bill is currently before the WA Parliament which will allow police to stop and search without the consent of the person and without reasonable suspicion that the person possesses anything related to an offence. This article explores the reasons for the proposed extension of police powers and argues that the powers are unnecessary, that the legislation contains inadequate safeguards, that it is likely to lead to the targeting of certain groups in the community and that it could undermine public confidence in the police.
