Adelaide Police Granted Random Search Powers on Public Transport for New Year’s Eve

ADELAIDE : South Australian Police (SAPOL) have been handed significant emergency powers to conduct random weapon searches across the city’s entire public transport network as Adelaide prepares for massive New Year’s Eve crowds.

Under the newly granted authority, officers can now stop and search passengers on trains, trams, and buses, as well as at major transit hubs like the Adelaide Railway Station and suburban interchanges. Crucially, these searches do not require “reasonable suspicion,” allowing for a broader sweep to deter the carrying of knives and other prohibited weapons.

Commuters using the Adelaide Metro network over the New Year’s period should expect a high-visibility police presence. Officers may utilize:

For quick, non-invasive checks of passengers.

Thorough inspections of belongings at any point within the transport network.

Potential deployment alongside weapon-search teams.

Authorities have stated that these measures are proactive and intended to ensure that families and revelers can travel to and from the CBD safely. Commuters are advised to factor in potential delays at major interchanges and are encouraged to cooperate with officers to maintain the flow of transport during the festivities.