Victorian Consolidated Legislation

Prostitution Control Act 1994 - SECT 61L

Search warrants

61L. Search warrants





(1) An inspector, with the written approval of the Director, may apply to a
magistrate for the issue of a search warrant in relation to particular
premises (including any vehicle on or in those premises) or a particular
vehicle located in a public place for the purpose of monitoring compliance
with this Act or the regulations.

(2) If a magistrate is satisfied by the evidence, on oath or by affidavit, of
the inspector that the warrant is necessary for the purpose of monitoring
compliance with this Act or the regulations, the magistrate may issue a search
warrant, in accordance with the Magistrates' Court Act 1989, authorising an
inspector named in the warrant, together with any other person or persons
named or otherwise identified in the warrant and with any necessary equipment-

   (a)  to enter the premises or vehicle specified in the warrant, if
        necessary by force; and



   (b)  to do all or any of the following-

   (i)  search for;

   (ii) seize;

   (iii) secure against interference;

   (iv) examine and inspect;

   (v)  make copies of, or take extracts from- a thing or things of a
        particular kind named or described in the warrant and which the
        inspector believes, on reasonable grounds, to be connected with a
        contravention of this Act or the regulations.

(3) A search warrant issued under this section must state-

   (a)  the purpose for which the search is required; and

   (b)  any conditions to which the warrant is subject; and

   (c)  whether entry is authorised to be made at any time of the day or night
        or during stated hours of the day or night; and

   (d)  a day, not later than 28 days after the issue of the warrant, on which
        the warrant ceases to have effect.

(4) Except as provided by this Act, the rules to be observed with respect to
search warrants under the Magistrates' Court Act 1989 extend and apply to
warrants under this section.