Splendour Want You To Know Your Rights If You’re Stopped By Sniffer Dogs

UPDATE: Police Warn Splendour In The Grass-Goers Of Sniffer Dog Operation At 2018 Event

ORIGINAL STORY: Police have already issued a warning to punters heading to Splendour this weekend that a high visibility operation will be underway at the festival, including the presence of sniffer dogs and now Splendour organisers want to make sure punters know their rights.

Splendour have shared on their website a public service announcement, printed below, warning festival-goers not to “bring anything you shouldn’t” while also providing information on what to do should the police find you with something you shouldn’t have.

“You may be searched on your way into Splendour this year, so don’t bring anything you shouldn’t,” starts the announcement. “If you are searched, you have rights – knowing them will empower you to navigate the process.”

The guide notes that if you are stopped because a dog indicates you might have drugs, the police have “reasonable suspicion” and are within their rights to search you. See the full guide below for information on your rights in regards to strip searches, cavity searches, arrests and who to contact for legal advice.

Banned items at this year’s festival include the usual alcohol brought in from outside of event, illegal drugs, glass, lasers, umbrellas and even boogie boards, milk/bread crates, water pistols and the dreaded selfie sticks. See Splendour’s website for the full list.

Things are looking pretty wet and muddy at the festival site currently, so make sure to dress appropriately. Check out the official Splendour set times and map before you get there too and if you’re not Byron-bound, here are 20 emotions you’ll go through as you miss out on Splendour — don’t say we didn’t warn you.

Splendour Public Service Announcement: DRUGS AND YOUR RIGHTS

You may be searched on your way into Splendour this year, so don’t bring anything you shouldn’t.

If you are searched, you have rights – knowing them will empower you to navigate the process.

If you are stopped because a dog indicates you might have drugs, this gives Police “reasonable suspicion” and they are within their rights to search you.

Stay calm, follow directions and be nice – if you resist or use foul language you are exacerbating the situation (and looking guilty – see below).

If the Police find nothing, but wish to conduct a strip search they may only do so if (i) the circumstances are serious or urgent and (ii) they take you somewhere private. You may also request that the search be undertaken by a police officer of the same sex and they are not allowed to touch you.

If the strip search finds nothing, and the Police wish to conduct a cavity search they may only do so IF YOU CONSENT. If you decline to consent to the cavity search, they must get a warrant which means leaving site and going to Court.

If you are arrested (in all but the most serious cases) you are likely to receive a summons and be allowed to enter the festival (sans contraband). Once inside the gates you should proceed immediately to the free legal advice tent run by Randall Legal.
If you are arrested you should ask to speak to a solicitor immediately.

If you don’t know a solicitor you can contact Randall Legal who have an advice stall at the Festival and a Festival advice number 0434 410 410.

Gallery: Splendour In The Grass 2015 Weather