Extension of Queensland Police Metal Detector Trial
Named after the 2019 stabbing death of 17-year-old Jack Beasley, Jack’s Law equips police with wands to detect knives in high-crime areas.
A recent increase in knife attacks in Australia has prompted the Queensland government to propose extending the trial of handheld metal detector wands, known as “Jack’s law,” until at least 2026. However, this proposal has faced opposition from an MP and civil liberties groups who view it as an overreach of police powers.
The success of the trial has led other states, particularly New South Wales (NSW), to consider implementing similar trials following a recent knife attack at Bondi Westfield in Sydney.
Premier Steven Miles announced the extension of the trial as a crucial aspect of a new $1.28 billion community safety plan.
The law, named after Jack Beasley, allows police to search individuals with wands in high-crime areas and issue penalties for unlawfully carrying a knife in public spaces. The trial’s scope may soon expand to include locations like petrol stations, pubs, and retail spaces.
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Brett and Belinda Beasley, Jack Beasley’s parents, expressed gratitude to the government for expanding the law named after their son.
They mentioned, “We miss Jack dearly, but initiatives like the expansion of police wanding operations to various venues mean Jack’s legacy continues to save lives. Removing more weapons from the streets leads to safer communities and more lives saved, which we wholeheartedly support.”
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In addition to extending Jack’s Law, Police Minister Mark Ryan announced investing $900,000 to acquire and distribute an extra 3,000 wands, increasing the total in operation to over 4,500.
The plan also includes funding for hiring 900 more police officers, providing 1,000 additional tasers, two new helicopters, and programs to support young offenders.
Queensland Police Union President Ian Leavers thanked Premier Miles for considering police feedback and expanding the trial.
“Frontline police quickly developed the rollout and training for the detection wand, resulting in the removal of potentially dangerous weapons from the community.”
“Unfortunately, recent surveys have shown an increase in physical abuse towards retail workers, with incidents rising from 8 to 12.5 percent in the last two years,” he noted.
“Expanding Jack’s Law to shopping centers sends a clear message of zero tolerance for such behavior, enhancing safety for our members at their workplaces.
“No one should face abuse in our shopping centers, especially not retail staff who strive to serve the public and support their families.”
Criticism of the Trial
Civil liberties groups, such as the Queensland Council for Civil Liberties (QCCL), have raised concerns about the trial’s alleged success despite police reports of seizing over 500 weapons through 4,000 wanding operations.
Citing a Griffith University study, QCCL president Michael Cope pointed out the lack of evidence showing reduced crime or increased weapon confiscation.
He also referenced a Metropolitan Police report from the UK, where a scrutiny panel highlighted negative impacts, including feelings of insecurity and intimidation among those subjected to stop and search practices.
He expressed opposition to expanding the trial to additional public locations.
“The proposed law, like many tough-on-crime measures, is a response to a tragic incident. Public policies should consider a wide range of factors beyond one case, regardless of its severity,” Mr. Cope remarked.
