The NSW Parliament has rushed through legislation allowing police to search people for knives without a warrant.

In a sweeping effort to tackle knife crime in the state, NSW Police now have the power to use metal-detecting wands to stop and scan people without a warrant in designated areas.

But several legal groups are concerned the ambiguous wording of the law will give police undefined and unlimited powers.

The Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC), an independent, non-profit organisation that works with people and communities who are marginalised and facing disadvantage, is arguing that more resources should be given to communities to support young people, rather than focusing on random surveillance and law and order responses to social issues.

Kate Sinclair, PIAC Solicitor, joined 2SER Breakfast to discuss.