Recent figures obtained by NSW Greens MP David Shoebridge reveal the number of strip searches in NSW has increased from 3735 in 2014-15 to 5483 in 2017-18. This is an increase of nearly 47 per cent. In this four-year period, police found nothing in 64 per cent of searches. In cases where something was found, the figures do not shed any light on what that might have been. Loading The rapid increase in the number of strip searches is cause for concern because under NSW law a strip search is not meant to be the first port of call, but a last resort. There are other less invasive searches available to police, including a general search of outer clothing and property. The law limits the occasion on which strip search can be conducted, yet police are failing to apply such limits. A strip search is an incredibly invasive procedure. It generally requires a person to remove all of their clothing and to stand naked in front of two police officers, in an extremely intimidating and unfamiliar environment. It may involve visual inspection of a person’s body and require the person to squat or cough. Strip searches are happening everywhere: at music festivals, on the street, in the back of paddy wagons, in cities and rural areas.

The Aboriginal Legal Service has raised grave concerns that Aboriginal children as young as 10 in remote communities across NSW are being subjected to full-body strip searches in full view of members of the public. Police have justified the increase in strip searches as a means of preventing drugs from entering music festivals. There is no doubt that the recent deaths at festivals are cause for concern and require deep contemplation about the way that we as a society deal with and approach drug use. And when we hear news stories about people being found guilty of bringing hundreds of pills into a music event, we may easily think that the end justifies the means. But does it really? Strip searches undermine the public's confidence in the police. Credit:Police Media In matters seen by our service, and at other services, police are not following the law, nor are they affording people the dignity and privacy as required under legislation. We have seen people reduced to tears after being made to feel humiliated, overpowered and downright scared.

In these cases, no drugs were found, and yet people have been incredibly traumatised and overtly punished simply for wanting to attend a music festival. These are people who now say they will never feel safe approaching a police officer again – and this is where the harm lies. As a society, we are moving into dangerous territory if we think it is justifiable that police act outside or above the law in order to prevent the usage and supply of drugs. Such a position has led to horrendous abuses of police power in various countries across the modern world. Like police, we all want young people to be safe, but unsound policing practices are placing young people, adults and children in harm’s way. These are practices that compromise a healthy society. A society where no one is above the law. A society where a young person feels safe enough to ask for help when they need it – even from the police. Samantha Lee is head of the police accountability practice at Redfern Legal Centre.