NSW sniffer dogs to stay

According to NSW law, police can use sniffer dogs to search a person in activities related to “general drug detection,” and do not require prior suspicion of a drug offence. Under the Law Enforcement (Powers and Responsibilities) Act 2002, they are also protected against any liability that may arise from using a dog in and around a premise.

In a long-awaited response to the 2020 ice inquiry, NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet has re-affirmed the government’s zero-tolerance policy to drug use and police sniffer dogs.

Perrottet announced that despite recommendations, the NSW government will not be: decriminalising low-level personal drug use; allowing pill testing sites at music festivals; or stopping the use of police sniffer dogs. He did, however, support the idea of a pre-court diversion program whereby small-time offenders can be given an infringement notice rather than having to go straight to court, at the discretion of police.

This scheme now depends on support from the police commissioner and the chief health officer, who have until June 30 next year to give their advice.

Drug reform advocate and executive director of Harm Reduction Australia, Annie Madden, expressed her disappointment to the news, “Other governments are looking into more progressive responses… but in the country’s largest state they’ve ignored the evidence”..

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