Study finds multicultural communities face higher rates of warrantless searches

Police more likely to conduct warrantless searches on Multiracial residents Source: iStockphoto / PeopleImages/Getty Images

A recent report focuses on the use of “designated area” laws in Victoria and the increasing practice of warrantless searches. The study found that communities with multi-racial backgrounds are targeted up to three-and-a-half times more than predominantly white areas, even when crime rates are lower. This raises concerns for legal and human rights experts, as it may violate the Victorian Charter of Human Rights.

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Published 22 January 2026 4:53pm

By Asha Abdi, Wing Kuang

Presented by SBS Hindi

Source: SBS

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A recent report focuses on the use of “designated area” laws in Victoria and the increasing practice of warrantless searches. The study found that communities with multi-racial backgrounds are targeted up to three-and-a-half times more than predominantly white areas, even when crime rates are lower. This raises concerns for legal and human rights experts, as it may violate the Victorian Charter of Human Rights.

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