The Law in NSW
In New South Wales strip search laws are found within sections 31, 32, 33, 34, 34A & Part 15 of the Law Enforcement (Powers and Responsibilities) Act 2002 (NSW) (LEPRA).
For a search at a police station or place of detention, a police officer may conduct such a search if the ‘officer suspects on reasonable grounds that the strip search is necessary for the purposes of the search’ (s.31(a), LEPRA)
For a search outside a police station, police may conduct such a search if the officer ‘suspects on reasonable grounds that the strip search is necessary for the purposes of the search and that the seriousness and urgency of the circumstances make the strip search necessary ‘(s.31(b), LEPRA).