More than 500 weapons have been taken off the streets in the first year of Jack’s Law wanding operations in Safe Night Precincts and public transport hubs across Queensland.
The weapons seized range from kitchen and butcher’s knives, tomahawks, hammers, hunting knives, knuckle dusters, screwdrivers and more.
Since Jack’s Law passed in March 2023, 508 weapons have been seized state-wide during 4,100 handheld metal detection operations, in which 51,000 individuals were scanned.
Police have apprehended 1,369 people on 2,469 charges, in relation to weapon, drug, bail and other offences.
Jack’s Law was introduced in response to the tragic stabbing death of 17-year-old Jack Beasley in 2019.
It allows police officers to utilise a metal detecting wand in operations in all Safe Night Precincts, at public transit hubs and on public transport.
Scans are quick, averaging a minute or two and require no physical contact by police.
By scanning for, detecting, and removing dangerous weapons from public places, police aim to reduce the harm these weapons cause in the community while educating the public on the risks of unlawfully carrying a weapon.
Youth Crime Taskforce Acting Assistant Commissioner Andrew Massingham said Jack’s Law has been instrumental in tackling knife crime.
“I want to commend Brett and Belinda Beasley, from the Jack Beasley Foundation, for their tireless advocacy and support around the extension of wanding powers to assist the QPS with detecting weapons and combatting violence,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Massingham said.
“For more than 500 weapons to be taken off the streets in a year, that’s 500 potential acts of violence disrupted, and people protected.
“We are committed to keeping dangerous items out of the hands of young criminals and reducing the devastation which can result from possessing a knife, including lifelong trauma for the victims, their families, and the community.”
Gold Coast District Officer Chief Superintendent Craig Hanlon said Jack’s Law not only detects weapons but deters people from carrying them in the first place.
“I want to acknowledge the dedication of our frontline staff in embracing Jack’s Law to help enhance our public safety response,” Chief Superintendent Hanlon said.
“We don’t want to risk knives or weapons being brought into highly populated areas. This is about ensuring members of the public can feel safe when they are out and about enjoying all that Queensland has to offer.
“We are committed to continuing to implement Jack’s Law, as every knife taken off the street is a win for the police and the community.”
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