Is a Police Order the same as an FVRO?

No. A Police Order is a short-term order made by police without a court hearing and lasts hours, not years. An FVRO is made by a court and can last 2 years or longer. A Police Order is usually a bridge to an FVRO.

Can I refuse a Police Order if I'm the protected person?

A Police Order can be made for up to 24 hours even without your consent if police believe it is necessary for safety. Your consent is what allows the longer, up to 72-hour, version.

What if the respondent breaches the Police Order?

Breaching a Police Order is a criminal offence carrying up to a $10,000 fine and/or 2 years imprisonment. Police can arrest the respondent without a warrant. Report any breach to police immediately.

Can police take someone's firearms?

Yes. Where family violence is involved, police have powers to seize firearms and explosives as part of, or alongside, a Police Order.

What should I do during the 72 hours?

Use the time to get to a safe place, contact a family violence support service, gather any evidence you have, and prepare or lodge an FVRO application so protection continues after the Police Order ends.

Police Orders in WA: 24 and 72-Hour Family Violence Orders Explained

A Police Order is a short-term, on-the-spot restraining order made by a police officer under the Restraining Orders Act 1997 (WA) to provide immediate protection in a family violence situation. It does not require a court hearing. A Police Order gives breathing space — a "cooling-off" period — until a longer-term Family Violence Restraining Order (FVRO) can be applied for through the court.

Key facts at a glance

Governing law: Restraining Orders Act 1997 (WA), sections 30A–30F
Who makes it: a police officer (not a court)
When: where police believe family violence has occurred or is feared, and an order is needed for safety
Duration: up to 24 hours without consent, or up to 72 hours with the consent of the protected person
Can it be renewed? No — a Police Order cannot be extended or renewed, and another cannot be made on the same facts
Breaching a Police Order: up to a $10,000 fine and/or 2 years imprisonment

When can police make a Police Order?

A police officer can make a Police Order where the officer reasonably believes that a person has committed family violence, or is likely to, and that an order is necessary to ensure the safety of a person who is in a family relationship with the respondent. The order takes effect as soon as it is served on the respondent.

How long does a Police Order last?

Up to 24 hours — where the order is made without the consent of the protected person.
Up to 72 hours — where the protected person consents.

A Police Order cannot be extended, renewed, or replaced by another Police Order on the same facts. To continue protection beyond the Police Order, an application for an FVRO must be made to the Magistrates Court.

What happens after a Police Order ends?

Before it expires, you should consider applying for an FVRO so your protection continues. You can apply yourself at any Magistrates Court of WA registry, ask police whether they will apply on your behalf, or in urgent cases, police can arrange a telephone application to an authorised magistrate.