Probationary Constable Sam Venning conducts a weapon search while Probationary Constable Sam Fuller looks on. Photo: SAPOL Photographic Section.
Police now have additional powers to curb antisocial and disorderly behaviour with the introduction of Declared Public Precincts (DPP).
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ntroduced after the Summary Offences (Declared Public Precincts) Amendment Bill was passed in October 2017, the new
legislation enables police to use metal detectors to search people, ban people from a precinct between specified hours, direct a person to move on and remove children under the age of 18 if officers consider them at risk. Those behaving in a disorderly or offensive manner may also be fined up to $1250. The first DPP was established in the City West area – bordered by North Terrace, West Terrace, Currie Street and King William Street, and including Hindley Street – on 10 November 2017. It will be operational
every Friday and Saturday between 6.00 pm and 6.00 am until 11 November 2018. DPPs have also been temporarily established during events including the Adelaide Fringe, Australia Day and the Schoolies Festival. Officer in Charge of Eastern Adelaide Local Service Area (LSA), Superintendent Craig Wall hailed the City West DPP a great success. “It has been an effective tool to ensure community safety and enjoyment in entertainment precincts
while preventing street crime and antisocial behaviour,” he said. “Police can now act swiftly to remove troublemakers from the area, which usually defuses situations before they escalate.” In the first three months of the City West DPP 521 people were ordered from the precinct, 32 people were barred, 126 expiation notices were issued for disorderly conduct, 128 vulnerable children were removed from the precinct, and 189 people searched with a metal detector.
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