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Scanners to replace cop strip search

Scanners to replace cop strip search

Police are investigating the use of body scanners at Perth Watch House to prevent the need for intrusive strip searches.

Police Commissioner Karl O'Callaghan said he approved buying the equipment and hoped two body scanners, similar to those used at airports and expected to cost about $500,000, could be in place by mid-year.

Eight religious leaders arrested and strip searched after a sit-in at Foreign Minister Julie Bishop's Subiaco office in December have lodged a formal complaint with the State's corruption watchdog over police officers' handling of the incident.

Mr O'Callaghan said he could not comment on the specific case referred to the Corruption and Crime Commission.

But after speaking to the officer-in-charge of the Perth lockup about a month ago, he approved introducing technology such as body scanners. Police will investigate the best product and may require approval or a licence to operate it.

Mr O'Callaghan said officers raised concerns about strip searches, including their possible exposure to complaints.

"The officers don't like doing it," Mr O'Callaghan said.

"The safety of prisoners and officers is paramount."

The scanners would eliminate the need for strip searches unless the equipment identified an object of concern.

In a letter to the CCC from Nigams Legal, the religious leaders asked for an investigation into allegations that officers used strip searches as a "threat" when attempting to persuade the group to leave the Federal MP's office on December 10.

They also sought an investigation into the justification for the strip searches at Perth Watch House after their arrest, questioning the basis for any reasonable suspicion they were in possession of drugs or weapons.

Each person in the group was charged with trespass and granted a spent conviction when they appeared in court in January.