Last updated 1 September 2021

Under the Police Powers and Responsibilities Act 2000 (Qld), a police officer investigating a firearm offence can:

  • demand the name and address of any person suspected of committing the offence, and the name and address of any person accompanying the suspect. Proof of the names and addresses supplied to the police officer may be required. It is an offence to fail to provide a name and address or to give a false name and address
  • require the production of any licence issued under the Weapons Act 1990 (Qld)
  • stop, detain and search any person, vehicle or premises they suspect may conceal a firearm, ammunition or dangerous article that is subject to seizure
  • arrest without warrant any person suspected of committing an offence if it is reasonably necessary (including to obtain or preserve evidence, and preserve the safety or welfare of any person).

If a person is threatening to use a firearm or other dangerous articles in a way that may cause death or injury, a police officer can, without a warrant:

  • enter any premises
  • detain any person there until it is established whether an offence has been committed
  • search the premises and persons found on the premises
  • seize any firearms, dangerous articles or ammunition.