My Rights

Search and seizure vs. Privacy rights

Can the police take anything from me (seizure)?

When the police take something from you without your consent it is called a “seizure.”

The police seizing a body fluid sample from you is also considered a seizure as well as a search. The way in which the seizure is conducted must be reasonable.

Usually, police may not seize anything of yours unless they have a warrant or your consent. But there are exceptions police may take items from you without your consent or a warrant in a few situations including:

  • If there are reasonable and probable grounds to believe that you have offence-related property, an item used for an offence, or evidence of an offence (for example, drugs or weapons), and there is an immediate need to seize the items and it would be too difficult to get a warrant.
  • In the case of detention or arrest: If you are detained, police can seize anything on your person for their safety, your safety, or the safety of others. Upon arrest, police can also seize evidence found on you.

When can I get my items back?

Any item of yours taken by police should generally be returned to you as soon as possible if there is no conflict as to who owns it, and if the item is not needed (for example as evidence) for investigation, inquiry, or trial. Unfortunately, if it is needed, this process could take many months, or even years.
But if the item is unlawful – it could be forfeited – this means it might not be returned to you at all.
If you think that something was wrongly taken from you or you are having difficulties getting your property back, see here for more information on how to take action if your rights have been violated.
What counts as a search?
What counts as a search?
When can police search me?
When can police search me?
What is consent and why is it tricky? What if police tell you to open your bag or ask what is in your pockets?
What is consent and why is it tricky? What if police tell you to open your bag or ask what is in your pockets?
What should I do if I do not consent to a search?
What should I do if I do not consent to a search?
Can police search my phone or text messages?
Can police search my phone or text messages?
Can police take my DNA, do breath tests or take bodily samples?
Can police take my DNA, do breath tests or take bodily samples?
What do I do if I think a search violates my rights?
What do I do if I think a search violates my rights?
Can police strip search me?
Can police strip search me?
Are there rules around how police can search me?
Are there rules around how police can search me?
Can the police take anything from me (seizure)?
Can the police take anything from me (seizure)?