The Victorian Government is moving amendments to allow police to collect DNA and fingerprints from registered sex offenders without a court order.

A series of amendments to the Sex Offenders Registration Act are being introduced in State Parliament which aim to build a complete database of the DNA and fingerprints of all convicted sex offenders in the state.

Police Minister Lisa Neville said those who pose “some of the greatest risks” would be “properly monitored at very intensive levels”.

“Anyone who is convicted as a sex offender will be compelled to provide their DNA and fingerprints to police so that they're kept on record whilst they remain a sex offender in Victoria,” she said.

“It's all about giving them [police] the powers they need to really properly and efficiently monitor sex offenders in our community.”

Ms Neville said the measures to convicted sex offenders from interstate and overseas as well.

One of the biggest changes is designed to allow police to “back capture” DNA and fingerprints of those convicted in the past.

Police currently require a court order (which itself requires some level of evidence) to get DNA or fingerprints.

If the amendments pass, police will also gain powers to search registered sex offenders and their homes to make sure they meet their reporting obligations.

The changes also include a new search warrant scheme to allow police to conduct searches for more minor breaches.

The new regime will force suspects and witnesses to provide information, including computer passwords.

Additionally, anyone convicted of torturing children in any form will be automatically added to the sex offenders register.

Some exemptions will be available for cases involving 18 and 19-year-olds who have a consenting relationship with a person under 16, including ‘sexting’.