Police are targeting public transport hubs in a crackdown on knife crime following the introduction of Jack’s Law.
Under Jack’s Law, officers are able to conduct wanding operations in all Safe Night Precincts (SNPs) and on public transport and at public transport hubs.
The law was passed following the stabbing death of 17-year-old Jack Beasley in 2019.
Operations have been under way in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Townsville, Ipswich, Sunshine Coast, Logan, Toowoomba, Airlie Beach and Capricornia.
A two-day operation at Ipswich train stations resulted in 35 people being wanded; three knives located and a machete and a knuckleduster seized.
Acting Deputy Police Commissioner, Mark Wheeler said the laws were designed to reduce knife crime and create safer public spaces.
“We know Jack’s Law will make our communities safer and help us reduce knife-related crime, particularly in public transport hubs,” A/Deputy Commissioner Wheeler said.
“While we expect to detect people carrying weapons and remove them from harm’s way, we also want to deter people from carrying knives and other weapons in the first place.”
He said police had received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the Gold Coast operation and he looked forward to rolling out the measures across the State.
“Scans are quick, averaging a minute or two and require no physical contact by our police,” the Officer said.
“Too many times we have seen the devastation which can result from possessing a knife, including lifelong trauma for the victims, their families, and the community, which is our motivation to continue,” A/Deputy Commissioner Wheeler said.
