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ARTICLE · 13 MAY 2021

Helpful tips when dealing with police sniffer dogs

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Sniffer dogs are widely used by NSW Police in licensed venues and festivals despite calls for the program to be abolished.

AustraliaCriminal Law
Harry Lollback
Harry Lollback
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With the easing of COVID-19 restrictions coinciding with the oncoming summer and music festival season, encounters between members of the public and NSW Police increase. One contentious interaction with the public and NSW Police will be a result of the drug dog detection or 'sniffer dog' program. Sniffer dogs are still widely used by NSW Police in licenced venues and festivals despite widespread calls for the program to be abolished.

Whilst in force it's important to know what your rights and how to behave if a dog gives a 'positive indication' that you may be in possession of illegal drugs. Here are some helpful tips:

Be polite and respectful

This is not literally a legal requirement however adopting a polite and respectful manner towards police not only keeps things calm but could serve you in the following ways:

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