Police in Melbourne will be able to stop and search people without warrants in designated areas, including the central business district and nearby precincts, from now until late May 2026. The new powers are part of an effort to improve public safety, but have drawn criticism from advocacy groups who argue they infringe on civil liberties and disproportionately affect minorities and vulnerable groups. Officers will be able to search people and vehicles, ask for removal of outer clothing, and use electronic wands or pat-downs without needing to suspect a crime has been committed. Police maintain the measures are aimed at reducing weapon-related crime and insist they do not tolerate racial profiling.