- Search powers allow WA Police to enter an offender's property without a warrant
- Police can examine or remove any electronic device for review
- Changes better protect the community through enhanced monitoring and deterrence
Hardened new laws enabling the Western Australian Police Force to better monitor and manage known sex offenders in the community have passed Parliament.
Amendments to theCommunity Protection (Offender Reporting) Act 2004will allow WA Police to enter and search any location occupied by a serious reportable offender without a warrant.
Police may also examine or remove any electronic device for review, with sex offenders required to supply relevant passwords, codes or information needed to access digitally stored data. Failure to provide such information will be an offence, carrying a maximum penalty of two years imprisonment.
Additional reporting requirements mean reportable offenders will have to tell officers if they have access to more than one vehicle or property, including storage sheds, which bank they use, and who they are communicating with.
The changes will also allow for a DNA sample to be taken from any reportable offender whose genetic code is not already stored on a forensic database.
The new laws align WA with other Australian jurisdictions by giving judicial discretion as to whether a juvenile convicted of a reportable offence should be subject to ongoing reporting conditions.
As stated by Police Minister Paul Papalia:
"These tough new laws give WA Police more power to crack down on serious sex offenders and protect the community
"It means anywhere, anytime, officers can search a location or seize a device linked to a serious reportable offender without a warrant.
"By strengthening the laws, we reduce the likelihood of reoffending."
