WA Authorities accessing personal data

[n818]

If a person in custody has their phone seized for data investigation, are authorities allowed to pose as the person in custody on social media using that persons identity and communicating with others ?

 

[Atticus]

Depending on the charges and seriousness of the alleged offending, police have huge powers at their disposal to gather evidence and uncover additional suspects who they believe are involved. This includes on line chat rooms and social media

 

[n818]

Thanks for reply...
Whatever investigations they need to do for however serious the offence, is there not a certain point where they cross the line of impersonating someone or false identity ?

 

[Atticus]

Not as long as they operate within the powers that are available for the offense and meet the rules of evidence applicable... So, yes depends to a degree on the offense... as an example, terrorism related activity, pedophile rings, child exploitation, prohibited substances of certain kinds and quantities and the like are very serious.