# Searches of certain immigration detention facilities—general

> act-s252BA — as in force on 2026-06-04 — C2026C00232 · Compilation No. 171 — https://www.legislation.gov.au/C2026C00232/latest/text

252BA Searches of certain immigration detention facilities—general

               Search
          (1) An authorised officer may, without warrant, conduct a search of an
              immigration detention facility operated by or on behalf of the
              Commonwealth, including, without limitation, a search covering
              any or all of the following:
                (a) accommodation areas;
               (b) administrative areas;
                (c) common areas;
               (d) detainees’ personal effects;
                (e) detainees’ rooms;
                (f) medical examination areas;
               (g) storage areas.
          (2) An authorised officer may conduct a search of the facility for any
              of the following things:
                (a) a weapon or escape aid;
               (b) a prohibited thing.
          (3) An authorised officer may search the facility for a thing under
              subsection (2) whether or not the officer has any suspicion that
              there is such a thing at the facility.
               Note:      See also sections 252C and 252CA in relation to the seizure of things
                          in the course of a search under this section.

               Conduct of search
          (4) Without limiting subsections (1) and (2), an authorised officer may
              use a dog in conducting a search under this section.
          (5) If an authorised officer uses a dog in conducting a search under this
              section, the officer must:
                (a) take all reasonable precautions to prevent the dog touching
                    any person (other than the officer); and
                (b) keep the dog under control while conducting the search.









          (6) If an authorised officer uses a dog in accordance with
              subsection (5) in conducting a search under this section, that use of
              the dog is not unlawful only because of the behaviour of the dog
              (including the touching of any person by the dog).
          (7) An authorised officer who conducts a search under this section
              must not use more force against a person or property, or subject a
              person to greater indignity, than is reasonably necessary in order to
              conduct the search.